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INAUGURAL PROCEEDINGS 



OPENING OF THE NEW CITY HA 



GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN, 



SEPTEMBER 26TH, 1888. 






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. i 




CITY HALL, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. 



D 





City Government of Grand Kapids, 


1 

i 1888-89. 

1 


Executive 


Department. 


Mavoj: 


I. M. wp:st(>n. 


City Clerk 


John J. Bki.knap. 


Assistant C'ity Clerk 


Fred J. Mokkison. 


City Treasurer 


Ueokge R. Peiskv. 


Assistant City Treasurer 


Thomas Nt;sTEi:. 


1 City Comptroller 


CHAKI.E8 N. AkMSTKOXG. 


City Marshal 


Chahi,es S. Wii-sox. 


Assistant City Marshal - 


- RiCHAKD OkPEN. 


Director of the Poor 


JoHX Grady. 


City Attorney 


J. W. Ransom. 


Assistant City Attorne\- 


W. W. Tavi.oj:. 


City Physician 


])k. C. M. Dkoste. 


Citv Poundmaster 

- 


PATIilfK McNaMAKA. 


Custodian ol the City Hail 

i 


Chaki.ks T. Hkennku. 


! 

i 
1 


• 

7 





.ein'islative Department. 



Coiiiiiioii Council. 



Mavoi: 



M. WKSTON. 



.\JJ>i:i{MK.\. 
First Wiml— C. II. l)i;(ii;A.\i-. E. II. Stki.n. 
.SecomI Waril — .John P. CiiKyri:, Houkht Sruoii.. 
TliinI Ward — Gko. II. Davidso.n. .S. L. Baldwin. 
Fourth Wanl— .J AC015 Kisknhaim) r. Edwakk O'Do.nnki.i.. 
Fiftli Ward -Maiisick Shanahan. Fi!KI> S.vuxdkks. 
Sixth Ward — Isaiah Stkwai'.t. W.m. li. Stokks. 
Seventh Ward— J. W. Havwai:!). Fha.nk L. RoixiEHs. 
Eifjhtli Ward — Joskph A. .M( Kek, 1.. L. LAiMEiiK. 

President of tiie Council - - - Maurick Sha.nahan. 

Clerk - - - . . . John .J. Bki,knai'. 

Assistant Clerk - . . . Fked J. Morkisox. 

Sergeant-at-Arnis .... Chaki.es S. Wilson. 



Judicial Department. 



Judge of Superior Court 
Clerk of Superior Court - 
Stenoj;rai)her of Superior Court 
.Judge of Police (^ourt 
Assistant Judge of Police Court 
Clerk of Police Court 
Assistant Clerk of Police Court 



K. A. Hi KI.INGAME. 

Andukw Fyke. 
(Jh.vkles H. Bendeh. 
John T. Holmes. 
W. (). Westkall. 
A. B. To/Eii. 
T. .1. MosiiEi:. 



Justices of the Peace. 

W. O. Wkntkai.l. Hakvkv P. Vai.k. 'I'ho.mas Walsh. 



Constables. 

First Ward— J. C. Pitki.ns. Fifth Ward T. H. P(.ni>. 

Second Ward— H. S. Pakk.man. Sixth Ward— J. M. I.kndsay. 

Third Ward— Klaas Van deh Wa[.. Seventh Ward— C. Mastenbkook 
Fourth Wanl M. H. Palmki;. Kighth Ward Don W. WAvr.AMi 



Department of Public Works. 



Board of Cominissioners. 

GEORGE G. BRIGGS - - - President. 

James N. Davis, Freeman Godfrey. W. R. Shelby, 

John S. Fari;, Mayor I. M. Wesion. 

Clerk - - - _ - Fred. A. Twami.ey. 

(Mty Eugiueer ----- Homer A. Collar. 
Assistant City Engineer - - - George A. Ames. 

General Inspector - . - - John S. Farr. 

Engineer of Pumi>ing Works - - George E. Kirk. 



Street Commissioners. 



Martin Van Oeveren, 



Wm. Walsh, 



Wm. E. Bloxton. 



Police and Fire Department. 



Board of Commissioners. 



LEWIS H. WITHEY 
Wm. H. Powers, 



L. E. Hawkins. 
Adolph Leitelt. 



Secretary of the Board 
Superintendent of Police 
Captain of Police 
Lieutenant of Police 
Fire Marshal. 
Assistant Fire Marshal 
Second Assistant Fire Marshal 
Matron of Police Station 



President. 
John E. More, 

B. F. McRey'Nolds. 
I. C. Smith. 
John Johnson. 
Wm. J. Hurley. 
Henry Lemoin. 
S. W. Baxter. 
H. C. Bettinghocse. 
Mrs. Fanny Gould 



Department of Education. 



Board of Coiiiiiiissioiiers. 

N. A. FLETCHER - - - Phksidknt. 

First Ward — E. H. Stkin, 11. E. Locheu. 
Second Ward — G. R. Ali-kx. Jos. Houseman. 
Third Ward— H. H. Driky. Mrs. H. A. Cook. 
Fourtli Ward— .J. B. Gkiswold. .Iamks Blaik. 
Fiftli Ward— S. Sullivan, .1. E. M( Bi:ii)i.;. 
Sixth Ward— H. J. Felkkk, .J. Gklock. 
Seventh Ward — A. S. Richahus. C. E. Kkllouo. 
Eiglitii Ward— N. A. Fletcuki:, K. W. Mkkkill. 
Mayor i. M. Weston. 

Secretary of tlie Board - - - E. H. Stein. 

Treasurer - - - - - F. A. Hall. 

Superintendent of SchoolN - - - F. M. Kendall. 

Superintendent of Buildings - - - .James T. Baknahv. 

Superintendent of .Janitors - - - A. S. Paul. 

Librarian ------ Heney J. Cakk. 

Truant Officer ----- Frank Fee. 



Department of Health. 



Members of Board. 

DR. THOiMAS D. BRADFIELD - - President. 

James D. Robinson. Mayor I. M. Weston, Chas. W. Calkins, 

Mairice Sh.\nahan. 

Secretary of tlie Board - - - H. N. Cakoill. 

Health Officer ----- Dr. Edward Watson. 



10 



Department of Taxes. 
Board of Review and Equalization. 

.TAMES B. GUJ.LIFORD - - - Phestdent. 

C. L. SHATxrcK, - - - _ . Secretary. 

A. L. Skinxkh. 



Ward Assessors. 

First Ward — .Joiix Steketee. Fifth AVard— Simon Suelivan. 

Second Ward — R. B. Loomis. Sixth Ward — P. C. Shickem.. 

Third Ward — Jonx Bex.iamix. Seventh Ward — H. (). Sher-mekhokn. 

Fourth Ward— W. I). Fhost. Eighth Ward~K. E. Courtney. 



Ward Collectors. 

First Ward — Henry Hoeksema. Fifth Ward — Wm. A. Dunn. 

Second Ward — D. .7. Doornink. Sixth Ward — John Hogerhyde. 

Third Ward — Burt Ema. Seventh Ward— Hans H. Fitting. 

Fourth Ward— C. A. Robinson. Eighth Ward— Thomas O'Keefe. 



Department of Cemeteries. 



Board of Commissioners. 

RANSOM C. LU(^E - - - President. 

W. H. Raiguel. Isaac Sigler. 

Secretaiy . . . - - w. H. Raiguei-. 

Superintendent Gale Hill and Valley City Cemeteries Wm. Rish. 
Superintendent Greenwood Cemetery - - Stephen Wit.cox. 



City officials connected with the construction of the new City Hall^ 
whose terms of office expired before its opening : 

Mayors — Crawford Angeei., Charles E. Belknap. John L. 
Curtiss and E. B. Dikeman. 

Members Board of Public Works — George W. Thayer, Wilder 
D. Stevens, A. D. Plumb, D. E. Emery and E. B. Dikeman. 



11 



The City of (irand Rapids. 



Exliaots from the Inaugural Address of Mayor Weston, delivered to 
tlie Common Council, May 7, 1KS8. 

Oentlemen of the Common Conneil: 

Fifty years ago to-day. on the lirst Monday in May, Ksas. tlie 141 
voters, who oceupied the few houses tlien on the present site ()f this city, 
assembled and held their tir-^t municipal election under the new village 
charter, which incorporated them as the village of (4rand Rapids, in the 
township of Kent, county of Kalamazoo. Four years previous, April 3, 
1H84, the township of Kent held its first election at the house of Joseph 
Guild, wheie the National City Bank building now stands, when nine 
voters were present to elect seventeen township otticials. Every voter 
obtained one ottice, four received two, and two were compelled to take 
three each. Twelve years later the village was changed by the Legisla- 
ture of 1850 to a city. 

Of the 141 voters who participated in that municipal election several 
are yet active business men in our city. But one of the trustees then 
elected is living, Hon. Charles 1. Walker, also the lirst treasurer, now a 
practicing lawyer in Detroit, who was afterwards a distinLruished judge 
and a professor of law in our State University. 

Making due allowance for the sanguine expectations ot speculative 
pioneers, I doubt if one of those 141 early settlers believed that on its 
semi-centennial anniversary Grand Rapids could have attained its present 
population, wealth and importance. 

From a few primitive cabins we have grown to a metropolitan city of 
7.5,000 inhabitants, with 100 miles of streets paved or otherwise improved. 

Those intelligent, enterprising men, who had the foresight to dis- 
cern the natural advantages of this locality, at the head of steamboat navi- 
gation on (irand River, and founded the second city in the State, builded 
wiser than they knew. To-day the survivors of those pioneers see eight 

13 



railroads centeriug in the city, and also a steamboat line to Lake Michi- 
gan, bringing to us the vast trade and commerce of Western Michigan, 
and giving positive assurance of om- future growth and prosperity as a 
great commercial center. During every ten years since its incorporation 
Grand Rapids has at least doubled in population, and 1890 will surely 
bring us 100,000, or an increase of 300 per cent, over 1880. Our furniture 
and other steam and water power factories give employment to upward of 
10,000 operatives, whose products are shijiped to almost every civilized 
country in the world. Our business blocks and private residences are 
among the linest to be found in any city of equal size in the country. Our 
magnificent river, flowing through the heart of the city, one fifth of a mile 
in width, is spanned by eight splendid bridges, of w^hich six are new iron 
structures of the latest and most improved design. 

Twenty-two elegant and commodious school houses give educational 
accommodations to 8.000 children. Our new City Hall is the finest public 
building in the state, and our Fire Department and other city buildings 
are' in keeping with it. 

Four daily papers and seven banks, five National and two State, are 
required to supply the wants of the city. Our street railway system, 
which includes horse cars, cable and steam motors, is one of the most 
extensive, complete and perfect in its construction, eciuipment and opera- 
tion to be found in the United States. 

Our Telephone Exchange has 1,200 subscribers, which is positive 
proof of the activity of business in the city. Forty-seven churches, occu- 
pied by fifty-one active clergymen, including two bishops, are unmistak- 
able evidences of a moral and law abiding community. 

Aside from its natural advantages, 1 attribute the gratifying growth 
of Gi'and Rapids to three causes: 

First — We owe much to the character of the settlers who started the 
city. They were men of intelligence, industry and enterprise. As they 
accummulated a surplus it was put into manufacturing or commercial 
enterprises, which gave employment to other men, built up the city, and 
yielding them fair returns on their capital. They had no use for bond or 
farm mortgage investments. They pursued a liberal policy towards their 
employes, which insured cordial co-operation in the work of developing a 
great manufacturing city. 

Second — Our city has been favored with workingmeu remarkable for 
their intelligence, industry and thrift. Although essentially a manufac- 
turing city, we have never been retarded by a disturbing strike of any im- 
portance. A mutual feeling of fairness has ever prevailed on the part of 
both employers and employes, which prevented anything of that character. 
The blatant advocates of anarchism could never find a listener among our 
law-abiding and intelligent workingmen. We are proud of onr substan- 

13 



tial hiisiiicss blocks, the i)Hlatial residences ou our t'asliionahle aveunes 
anil our liandbume and commodious ]iublie buildings, but we are much 
jirouder of the miles of streets lined hj' the handsome homes of our work- 
ingmeii. Their skill and industry have always commanded liberal wages 
and promi)t pay. Their temi)erate habits have insured prosperity ami now 
comfortable, tasty houses, owned by the occupants, is the rule among 
tliem. A large ma.iority of the churches in the city are supported by them 
and they are the i)rincipal jiatrcms of some of our daily jiapers. As a 
class they have achieved a deserved itrosjierity which we should do our 
utmost to jiromote and encourage. 

Third— This city has been unusually fortunate in its fttflciais. Intel- 
ligence, integrity and economy have been the rule governing our munici- 
pal affairs. I cannot call to mind a case of embezzelment. defalcation or 
bribery, either from pereonal knowledge or hearsay, anu)ug otiicials dur- 
ing the half centiiry of our municipal existence. For this remarkable 
record we must give much of the credit U> the workingmen, who have 
cast a ma.jority of the votes, and held a ma.iority of the offices in ovn- city. 
The idea which prevails among a certain class that workingmen are unfit 
to manage governmental affairs, has been thoroughly disjiroved in (Jrand 
Hapids. 

In short, enterprising capitalists, intelligent workingmen and honest 
officials have combined to make Grand Rapids what it is. We who con- 
stitute our municipal government for the ensuing year have much to do to 
meet the requirements of this great and growing city and maintain its 
record forotlicial efliciency. 

The tinancial affairs of the city, as shown by the complete report of 
the treasurer published last week, are in a very satisfactory condition. It 
shows our bonded indebtedness as follows: 

Hoard of Education Htmds - - - .S212.000 

Water Works Bonds - . . . fi82,000 

rity Hall Honds ----- 170,000 



Total ----- .■5:764.000 

ASSKTS. 

School Property ----- .■*6.56,.500 

Waterworks ----- ,5'2H,lfi6 

Fire Department - . - - 122,98S 

City Hall ------ 800,000 



Total - - . _ . si,(i07,(>r)4 

I have made no account of om- parks, bridges and tax title property, 
which is considerable. Taking into consideration that we have no county 
or state debt, this statement is a higldy favoralde one. 



14 



BOAKD OF PUBLIC WOKKS. 

The report of inii^roveineuts made !)>■ the Hoard (Uiriii^ the past year 
shows ex]ieiiditures as follows: 

For Streets ----- $99,535 00 

For Sewers - _ - - . 22.758 00 

For Water Mains - - . - 30,427 00 

Other Expenditures - - - . i>j,952 44 

Total ----- $\e,n,m7 44 

FIUE DKPAHTMENT. 

Tilt' coiupletion of a new house for No. 8 gives the city seven compar- 
atively new and very commodious engine houses, containing all modern 
improveiiieiits. Our apparatus consists of four steamers, two chemical 
engines, two hook and ladder trucks and seven two-horse hose carts, 
manned by forty-seven full-pay and thirty-eight part pay men. 

POLICE PEPABTMliNT. 

Law and order is the foundation of commercial prosperity in any city. 
The important business which devolves upon our Police Department is 
being conducted in an eiiftcient manner. Our business streets are well 
patrolled by as many men as can be used to advantage. 

The total number of persons on the department rolls is seventy-two, 
of whom two are detectives, one a truant officer, acting under orders of 
the Board of Education, flfty-one doing patrol duty, and the balance, 
eighteen, are officers and men em])loyed about headquarters. 



15 



Opening of New City Hall, 

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. 
"WednescieLy, Septemioer SStli, IQSS. 

PROGRAMME OF EXERCISES. 

City ofiicials, ex-city olticiais and invited t;uests will meet at the old 
Common (Council Koom and move in jjiocession to the new City Hall at '2 
o'clock p. m., proceedinfT to the tliird Hoor of the building, wlien the 
assembly will be called to order by Mayor I. M. Weston. 

V^ocAi. Ml SIC - - - - By the Schubert Club. 

Praykr By Kt. Kev. Geo. 1). Gillespie, 1). D.. Bishop of Western Mich. 

Remaijks - - By E. E. Myers, Architect of the Building. 

Kkmakks - - - - By W. 0. Hichardsou, Contractor. 

Preseutation of the building on liehaU of the Board of Public Works 
to the city, by President Gp:()KGE G. BKi(i(is. 

Acceptance and dedication on behalf of the city by Mayor I. M. 
Wkston. 

Vocal Music . . . . \iy tjiy Schubert Club. 

Historical Addkkss - By Hon. Charles 1. Walker, of Detroit, 

First Treasurer of the Village of (Jrand Rapids. 
Vocal Mu.sic - - - . - By the Schubert Club. 

SuoKT Adukkssks ----- By Citizens. 

Vocal Music - - - - By the Schubert Club. 

Bknkdiction By Kt. Hev. .J. 11. Hichtir. I). I).. Bishop of (Td Kajuds. 



Evening. 

Buildiug will be opened at 7:m) o'clock. 
Vocal Music - - - - By the Schubert Club. 

Reception by the Mayor and other city otlicers from 8 to '.t.-^O. 

lustrumental music inside the bnildinu; day and evening by Prof. 
Wellen.stein"s full orchestra. 



16 



COMMITTEES. 



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

Matok I. M. Weston, t'hairnian. 

(ieo. W. Thayer, Ex-President Board of Public Works. Alderman Geo. 11. Davidson. 

GENERAL COMMITTEE ON ARRAN(iEMENTS. 

Mayor I. M. Weston, Chairman. 

COMMON COUNCIL. 

Alderman George H. Davidson. Alderman Fred. Saunders. Alderman Robt. Sproiil. 

BOARD OP PUBLIC WORKS. 

Col. Geo. G. Briggs. Wilder D. Stevens. James N. Davis. 

Freeman Godfrey. W. R. Shelby. 

CITIZENS COMMITTEE. 
Ex-Mayor Geo. W. Thayeu, Chairman, 
Ex-Mayor Thomas B. Church. Ex-Mayor Chas. Shepard. 

Ex-Mayor Wm. T. Powers. Ex-Mayor Martin L. Sweet. 

Ex-Mayor C. C. Comstock. Ex Mayor Chas. E. Belknap. 

Ex-Mayor John W. Champlin. Ex-Mayor Francis Letellier. 

Ex-Mayor Edmund B. Dikeman. Ex-Mayor Geo. G. Steketee. 

Ex-Mayor Gilbert M. McCray. Ex-Mayor Geo. K. Johnson. 

Ex-Mayor L. H. Randall. Ex-Mayor Julias Houseman. 

Ex-Mayor Crawford Angell. Ex-Mayor John L. Curtiss. 

Ex-Alderman Charles T Brenner. 



COMMITTEE ON PROGRAMME. 

Ex-Mayob Geo. W. Thayer, Chairman. 

Ex-Mayor Chas. E. Belknap. Geo. G. Briggs, Pres't. Board of Public Works. 

Alderman Geo. H. Davidson. Alderman Fred Saunders. 

COMMITTEE ON SPEAKERS. 

Ex-Mayob Francis Letelliek, Chairman. 

Ex-Mayor John W. Champlin. Ex-Mayor Geo. G. Steketee. 



COMMITTEE ON MUSIC. 

Ex-Mayor Geo. W. Thay'eb, Chairman 

Ex-Mayor Edmund B. Dikeman. Freeman Godfrey of Board of Public Works. 



COMMITTEE ON PRINTING. 

James N. Davis, of Board of Public Works. Chairman. 

Geo. G. Briggs, President of Board of Public Works. Ex-Mayor John L. Curtiss. 



COMMITTEE ON DECORATIONS. 

Ex-Alderman Chas. T. Br?:nnkr, Chairman. 
W. R. Shelby, of Board of Public Works. Ex-Mayor G. K. Johnson. 

COMMITTEE ON INVITATIONS. 

Mayor I. M. Weston, Chairman. 

Alderman Robert Sproul. Ex-Mayor Julius Houseman. 

Ex-Mayor Crawford Angell. 

RECEPTION COMMITTEE. 

General I. C. Smith, Chairman. 
Geo. E. Pantliud. Chas. W. McQuewan. J. E. Killean. Huntley Russell. 

Henry J. Bennett. Frank Escott. Geo. Hollister Fred. D. Mills. 

C. W. Ilolden. H. F. Wonderly. Will P. (Jranger. Stewart DeKraft. 

Ed. Van Asmus. Fred. W. Powers. Dudley E. Waters. Ben. S. Hanchett, .Ir. 

.\lbert Stonehouse. Horace Waters. Tom M. Pierce. 

17 



Opening of the City Hall. 



At 2:30 p. in. Mayor 1. M. Weston called the aiulienee to order and 
after a vocal selection by the yduibert Club, invited Kt. Rev. Geo. D. 
Gillespie. D. D., Bishop of Western Michigan, to invoke Divine Blessiuj;. 

THE I'liAYEK. 

O God, who settest the solitary in families, and has gathered the peo- 
ple in the bands of villages and cities; assembled here, we make our 
ascription of prai.se and honor to Thy glorious name. 

We praise Thee, we bless Thee, that Thou didst guide our fathers 
where our feet stand this day: that Thou didst prosper the work of their 
hands, laying iu the wilderness the foundations of this goodly city; that 
we have entered into their labors: and the hands of their children have 
been strengthened to build on their foundations. 

"Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name, we give 
glory." that in peaceful habitatious we enjoy the comforts and conveni- 
ences of life, that great interests of business and state are gathered and 
conserved here, that in our lelations to our State and land we are a city 
set on a hill; gathered for the first time within these vvalLs, we give 
thanks to Thee that this structure has risen on its sure foundation, to 
stand for ages, proclaiming a grand enduring city, preserving its archives, 
dispensing its resources, fostering its business, advancing its e(hication 
and protecting its wor*liip. 

May the dedication of this hour be ever renewed in the wisdom and 
truth that shall pervade its council chambers, the honesty that shall pre- 
serve and administer its trusts, and in the integrity of those who in its 
departments of rule shall carry out the uumicipal law and ordinance. 

We comuu'ud to Thy gracious favor and inotectitm our city — that Thy 
directing, assisting Spirit uuiy be in all its interests of business, educa- 
tion, health, virtue and religion, (iuard our citizens in every calling from 
its dangers, and uuike them true to its honor and jmrpose. I'rotect our 
dwellings from the llauies. Let us not be smitten with the pestilence. 
Deliver us from the haunts of vicious appetite and lust. Fashiim into our 
hapiiy people those who have come hither out of many kindreds and 

IS 



tongues. Put tar from us secret nuirinuriugs and open violence, the 
hearts ot employers and of tliose wiiom they employ being Inclined to 
nuitual forbearance, fairness and good will, (iive us tlie praise of a Chris- 
tian city in tlie well observed Lord's Day, the silenced blasjihemy. the 
truth proclaimed by the comi)any of the jireacliei's, and the spirit and pre- 
cept of Christ Jesus pervading all ranks and relations of men. 

We implore Thy blessing on the President of the ITnited States, the 
Governor of this State and all in legislative power and civil rule. 

Direct this people in this time of great thoughts of heart on who shall 
sit in their high places, and what shall be the ordering of great national 
interests. 

Be witli us in this hour of dedication, so guiding all minds and lijis. 
that this may be to our citj' a high day of present gratulation and happy 
])rediction. 

Lord give us all at tiie last place in that continuing city, "that hatli 
foundations whose builder and maker is (iod." whose '"walls are Salvation 
and its Gates jiraise." 

Through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, Thy Son. our 
Lord, Amen. 

Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy name, Thy King- 
dom come ; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven : Give us this 
day our daily bread ; And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those 
who trespass against us ; And lead us not into temptation ; But deliver us 
from evil ; For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power, and the Glory for 
ever and ever. Amen. 



Remarks of Mr. E. E. Myers, of Detroit, the 
Architect of the Building. 

Mr. Manor. Ladies and Qodlemeii: 

Three and one-lialf years ago we commenced work upon this struc- 
ture, to erect a (^ity Hall building for the use of this beautiful city, this 
house in your midst. The labor and skill required in the erection of a 
building like this may not be understood by many of you, but the proper 
construction of the building was a diflicult task, re(iuiring skilled labor of 
the best character. The work proceeded, stone by stone it was erected ; 
brick after brick was raised and upward was reared the structure that now 
commands your praise. The inscription "Si Qua^ris Monumentum Circum- 
spice'* was placed ujwn the great cathedral of St. Paul's in London. The 
cathedral building is a monument of tlie glory of Wren as an architect, 

19 



and of the skill of the builders. This one stands a monument likewise to 
official integrity. 

The labor and toil devolving ujton the Board of Public Works in the 
erection of this building are i)erhaps little understood by you. I noticed 
that you have placed upon the programme no one to speak in their behalf. 
Yet they here have a friend, a silent, but most potent, friend that attests 
their integrity and the care which has characterized all their acts in the 
construction of the building: that tricnd i■^ the building itself. (Ap- 
I)lause. ) 

It stands here a uKmnmeul to their tidelity. to their close attention 
and watchful care in every detail of the construction of this building. 
When this ]i(jard has passed away, that friend, this building, will speak 
to their children and children's children in its silent grandeur of the tidel- 
ity to public trusts (tf their parents and grand-parents. They have builded 
for the future and. in this instance at least, have wrought successfully and 
established a great iniblic structure which for generations will increase 
the beauty of the city and add materially to the i-onveinence of its officials 
and citizens. 

This building is also an evidence, a very conclusive evidence, of the 
skill and tidelity of the builder, the contractor, Mr. Richardson. Had he 
neglected any iuii)ortant features of the construction of the building, or 
even any of its details, these walls would have told the story ; cracks and 
abrasures at every tui-n woidd have been emblems to mark that he had not 
faithfully performed his duty. The building stands here without blemish 
and without a crack of any sort. That, Mr. Chairman, that he has well 
and faithfully i)erforu»e(t his work as a true and skilled contractor is evi- 
dence. He has been faithful in carrying the work into execution and it 
speaks for itself. 1 doubt, sir, whether you can find in the entire State of 
Michigan, or in any other state in the ITnion, a structure of similar char- 
acter where the work has been so thoroughly and successfully performed. 
No life has been lost in the uudertaking, I believe, which is an unusual 
thing in a work of such magnitude, and to Mr. Kichardson and the skilled 
workmen in his employ, you owe thanks for the construction of this ele- 
gant building. You owe thanks to the Board of Public Works for their 
fidelity in watching over the various processes of construction. 

I desire to say, that aftei' years of exi)erience in the erection of public 
buildings. I have never known a Board of Cfmnuissioners to exercise the 
same close attention that has been devoted to this structure by them, 
especially in watching every detail and in seeing to it so closely that the 
people received value for every dollar expended. The plans, of course, 
were as perfect as I could nuike them, but had not the builder carried out 
so fully as he has done his part of the work, the edifice would not have 
been, as it is to day. an (irnauu-nt to the State of Michigan. Michigan 

20 



has been widely known fur the tidelity of its Oonnnissioneis having in 
fiiarge the erection of public buildings, and your actions in regard to the 
construction of this City Hall have sini])ly added to the luster which the 
officials of the state had already won in this direction. I desire, as the 
architect of tiiis building, publicly to express my thanks to the Board of 
Public Works, who have so laboriously supervised the erection of this 
new City Hall ; to the Superintendent, to whose skill, vigilance and 
honesty none but good material and accurate work were accepted, and to 
the contractor and various sub-contractors, who have, to the letter, carried 
out their great and expensive undertaking, whereby, through the united 
efforts of all persons employed, the humble but faithful laborer, as well 
as the skilled and highly valued artisan, the city has come into possession 
of this beautiful and commodious building for the administration of its 
city affairs. It is eminently proper that official integrity in great and 
responsible trusts should receive public recognition and praise from the 
people whose interests have been so faithfully promoted and guarded. I 
tender to the members of the Board of Public Works my sincere thanks 
for the uniform courtesy as the architect of this building throughout the 
entire course of its construction, and to the citizens of Grand Eapids for 
their liberality and untiring efforts in behalf of the erection of this beau- 
tiful edifice. 

(4rand Rapids has always been noted throughout the history of the 
state as one of the most enterprising and public spirited of all the many 
prosperous municipalities of Michigan. The second city in the state, she 
yields the palm to none in progress, in the beauty of her natiual situation, 
in the business activity which characterizes her citizens, and in the hand- 
some buildings which are yearly being erected. In this City Hall she 
liossesses one of the finest of her civic adornments. It will remain for 
centuries to come a memorial of the intelligence, energy and liberality of 
her people. 

President George G. Briggs. of the Board of Pulilic Works, responded 
as follows : 

Mr. Myers : 

Nearly four years ago the Board of Public Works of the city of 
Grand Rapids were called to pass upon the merits and decide between 
plans, submitted in competition, for a proposed City Hall. By a unani- 
mous vote of the Board the award of preference was given to you. We 
have never had cause to regret the choice then made, but from that time 
until the present we, in common witli our fellow citizens, have watched 
tlie growth of this building with feelings of pride and satisfaction. 

Yoiu- profession is, indeed, a noble one, and the splendid creations 
of your mind have been built into enduring structures of granite and stone 
for the State capitols of Michigan, Texas, Idaho and Colorado, while nnm- 

31 



crous jiulilic buildings of your designing, less exiicnsive. but ei|ually beau- 
tifnl, adorn and are the pride of other cities than our own. 

With tlie j»resent occasion our otiicial relations ternunate. The obli- 
gations in consideration of your services have been discharged, but in a 
large sense we must ever remain your delators. 



Presentation to the Board of Public Works by the 
Builder, Mr. W. D. Richardson. 

Mr. President, LafJiefi (tnrJ dentlotien : 

It places me in rather an embarrassing iKJsition to stand here and talk 
about my own work. For that reason 1 liopt^ you will excuse me from any 
extended remarks. 

I shall simply say to the Board of Public Works and to the ofticials of 
the city of (Jrand Rapids, that 1 wish to thank them for the kind and 
considerate manner in whl<»h they have always treated me while con- 
structing this building. 

So far as the l)uilding is coJurerned it must speak for itself, it does 
not become me, as the contractor, to praise my own work. 

Mr. President, I wish to say to you, that down in the bottom of my 
heart I shall always have a warm place for the citizens of Grand Rapids. 

And now. sir, to you as President of the Board of Public Works, 1 
formally turn over the City Hall. 

President Briggs replied as follows : 

Mr. Richardson : 

In thus formally accepting the l)uilding which you have constnicted 
for the city of (Jrand Rapids, 1 desire in behalf of the Board of Public 
Works to thus i>ublicly acknowledge our indebtedness to you for having 
given us work in every way equal and in many resi)e.cts better than called 
for by the si»ecifications under which you worked. You have faithfully 
met every retiuiremeut of good construction from foundation to the small- 
est detail of interior linish, and your name will always be pleasantly asso- 
ciated with the erection of this edifice, which is long to remain a source 
of pride to our citizens. 



Presentation to the City by President (jeorge G. 
Briggs, of the Board of Pnblic Works. 

Mr. Mayor : 

I believe the formal declicatiun of iJiiblic buildings is generally 
attended with reports or exhibits from those under whose charge the 
work was constructed, in which is gi\en the initiatory steps and subse- 
tiuent acts of legislation, by which the work was inaugurated and com- 
pleted — final costs of same, nan:es of contractors, etc., etc. Such statistics 
are necessarily somewhat uninteiesting. yet their publication forms a 
fitting part in the dedicatory exercises, and will be given on tliis occasitm 
as briefly as possible. 

The site upon which this building stands and the building itself, com- 
plete, ample and in every respect desirable, are, in view of history of the 
former plans adopted and the efforts heretofore made to provide the city 
with a suitable building for public uses, proofs that good often results 
from delay, and that it would have been a serious mistake had the recom- 
mendations of even ten years ago been cairied into effect. A few facts 
gleaned from the history of former legislation, and the efforts of those 
then in authority to procure a suitable site and secure the erection thereon 
of a City Hall, may not be uninteresting, and I therefore venture a brief 
narrative of such. 

From a review of the history of the })resent City Hall site, it is ascer- 
tained that at least a portion of its purchase price was paid as early as 
October IT, T854. :t which time the city bought from J. F. Chubb, for 
engine house purposes, part of lot 4, block 15. Campau plat, for the sum 
of S^5(). This lot forms in part the ground now occupied by the St. Den- 
nis Block, at the corner of Monroe and Spring streets, and was conveyed 
to Thos. D. and F. B. Gilbert February K!. istis. in consideration of $500 
and the title to the east half of lot 0. block s. Campau plat, which is a 
portion of the site now occujiied by the Ledyard Block, corner of t)ttawa 
and Pearl streets. 

June 1, 1872, the city conveyed the above poition of lot'.' to W. B. 
Ledyard, in consideration of $9,000, which sum, it would appear, was 
used in itart payment for a portion of lot 1. block '.i. Campau plat, as on 
the same date of the sale to Mr. Ledyard the city purchased from VVm. 
Haldane the realty last above mentioned, jjaying therefor the sum of 
•SU.OOO. 

•Imie^JT. \s;>i, tlie city purchased from Chas. Shepard, for the sum of 
$2.50(1. a strip of land adjoining its lot on the south 10 feet wide. This 
site, at the southeast corner of Ottawa and Pearl streets, was sold to D. 
H. Waters July 5, 188:>, for the sum of $15,000. the amount thus received 



l)eing use<l on tlu' same day in the purchase from Doctor Spaulding of lots 
59. ()S and the south lialf of t:J. at the corner of Ottawa and Lyon streets, 
being 100x1:25 feet of tlie site upon which this building stands. The 
efforts of tiiose in authority to secure a satisfactory site and the final 
action of the Common Council in ordering the purchase of the Spaulding 
property, will again be referred to later on. 

Assuming the lots last named to be fully worth .•<15,000. it would 
appear that the city has shared in the a<lvantages derived fr.oni the growth 
in real estate values, within her limits, as the original investuients by 
which the Spaulding property was secured are found to l)e only .S4.450. 
To the lots ohtaine<l from Dr. Spaulding were added by sul)se<iuent imr- 
chases the lands constituting the site as it now stan<ls. Tlie date of such 
l)urciiase8 and the amount paid are as follows: 

September 15. 1S8:^, from S. A. Winchester 50x100 feet, being part of 
lots S2 and 73. for the sum of S5.500. March 1, 1S84. from John Bertsch 
50x150 feet, being the west half of lots 5s. 69 and ~:i, for the sum of 
ST.500. .July 3, 1884. from John Bertsch. 50x150 feet, being the ea.st half 
of lots 58, 09 and 72, for the sum of S14.000; the last named purchase in- 
cluded a brick dwelling that originally cost several thousand dollars. The 
last purchase made was May 0. 18S5, from Anthony Bodelack. being 
•.'5x100 feet of lot s:i, for which the city paid .S:i.000. 

The total cost of the al)ove real estate, embracing a frontage on Lyon 
from Ottawa to Ionia streets of :320 feet, and 175 feet in dejith, is shown 
to be .S34.450. ,\ mere statement of the several purchases by which the 
city acquired the title to the grounds n])im which this building is erected, 
conveys no suggestion of the efforts which were found necessary to com- 
plete the work. The last two purchases were especially urged by those 
who saw the imjiortance of making the site complete, while others 
(>l)pt)sed. claiming the cost involved would be so great as to defeat all 
plans for securing the building itself. The wisdom of the outlay is alread> 
seen, and time will only more fully confirm the good judgment which 
secured for the city ground both ample in size and of central loc^ation for 
its City Hall. 

Having thus l)rietly sketched the history of the City Hall lot. a few 
facts in connection with former jilans considered and the erection of the 
present building may be of interest. The constniction of a City Hall 
for Grand Rapids was first declared a necessary public improvement May 
10 is;:{. The building was to be erected uixm the lot at the southeast 
corner of ( Htawa and Tearl streets, and the resolution to that efiect passe«l 
the Council by a vote of fifteen to one. This resolution went to the Board 
()f Public Works, who, in compliance therewith, took steps to secure plans 
for a building 00 by 90 feet in size, and not to exceed in cost S50,000. 
Architects were invited to s\d)mit plans for such inulding, and on March 

•J4 



3, 1874, the Board adopted the ones offered by Chas. H. Marsh, awarding 
at the same time premiums to other competitors as follows : To Grady & 
Warden, $100; to Robinson & Barnabee, $~5. 

The plans thus adopted by the Board, together with estimates of cost, 
.were submitted to the Council and were by that body laid on the table 
Mai"ch 7, 1874. During the same month some further communications 
upon the subject passed between the Council and the Board of Public 
Works, but the whole matter was finally dropped apparently by mutual 
consent of all concerned, and was not again renewed until nearly four 
years later. 

January 27, 1879, Henry S. Smith, then Mayor of the city, in a spe- 
cial message to the Council, recommended the erection of a building upon 
the city lot. at the corner of Pearl and Ottawa streets, not to cost more 
than §20,000, and so constructed that the first floor could be rented for 
stores ; the upper portions to be used for city purposes. The special com- 
mittee, to whom the message was referred, failed to agree in any recom- 
mendations, and the matter again rested. 

September 1. 1879, Mayor Letellier, in a special message to the Coun- 
cil, recommended the erection of a building upon the city lot at a cost of 
.$20,000, and similar in character to that advocated by his predecessor. At 
this same session the Council directed the Board of Public Works to pro- 
cure plans and specifications in accordance with the reconnnendations 
made by the Mayor. December 13 following, the Board transmitted to 
the Council plans and specifications, with estimates of cost for the pro- 
posed building, and on tlie 22d of the same month the Mayor, in a second 
special message to the Council, urged that steps be taken without delay to 
carry into effect the recommendations contained in his message of Septem- 
ber 1. Public sentiment, however, seemed against the plan proposed, and 
as it was found that the building would cost upward of .*30.0()0, the niatler 
was again dropped. 

in a communication muler date of June 7, 1880, Thomas D. Gilbert 
and others asked the Council to take the necessary steps to obtain a suit- 
able site for a City Hall without delay ; that it would soon be diflicult to 
obtain a central location for the purpose. The special committee to whom 
this communication was referred reported the results of its labor to the 
Council January 24, 1881, but made no recommendations. The report 
was laid on the table, where it remained until June 10 following, when 
the whole subject matter was again referred to a special couunittee. This 
second special committee made its report to the Council September 12, 
1881, recommending that the city join with tlie county in the erection of a 
building upon Fulton street park, for the joint use of both county and 
city. The report was laid on the table and the matter again quietly shuu- 
bered for a year and a half. 

25 



May 'iS, 1S8:J, Mayor Augell, ou motiou of Aid. Brenner, appointed a 
special committee, to whom was a.ssigned the duty of looking up a suitable 
site for a City Hall. This committee, consisting of Aldermen Brenner, 
Creque and Grady, reported to the Council June is following, recommend- 
ing the j)urchase of the lots offered by Dr. Sijaulding. at the northeast, 
corner of Ottawa and Lytm streets, for the sum of 815,000, and on July 2, 

1883, the Council authorized the purchase as recommended, and at the 
same time ordered the sale of the city lot. corner of Ottawa and Pearl 
stiects. for the like sum of SI."), 000, reserving therefrom the tire alarm bell 
and tower. On the '.itli of the same mcmtli the connnittee reported the 
sale of the city lot and the .imrehase of the Spaulding property, and their 
action was thennipon ratiticd and confirmed by a unanimous vote of the 
Council. 

July 13, 188:J. the Council once more and for the last time declared 
the erection of a City Hall a necessar.v public improvement, and (m the 
12th of the .same month it confirmed its former action by requesting the 
Board of Public Works to procure plans for such a building, same to cost 
from S100,000 to . 51.50.000. These resolutions led to the erection of the 
building which we are now assembled to formally dedicate to the public 
uses for which it was designed. 

The question to be submitted to the electors and what amount should 
he rai.sed to build a City Hall was considered hy the Council ^larch SI. 

1884. Alderman Brenner's resolution calling for SIOO.OOO was, upon mo- 
tiou of Alderman Gilbert, amended to read -SI 50.000. The proposition 
was submitted to the electoi-s April 7 following, and the loan was author- 
ized by a majority vote of 3.27S. 

The matter was now in the hands of the Board nf Public Works, and 
that body at once |)r<)ceeded to. give careful consideration and study to the 
needs and retiuirements of the city, and which the proposed building, when 
erected, should properly meet and supply. The labor of such study and 
investigation was sutticiently advanced to enable the Board, on June 30, 
1884. to give in its circular to competing architects full particulars and in- 
formation as to the lunnber of rooms to be provided in the Iniilding, and 
the purjioses for which the same would be required. By limiting compe- 
tition to six of the leading architects of the country, jilans were secured 
without the otfer or payment of premiums. 

The several plans were received and ojiened by the Board October 1, 
1S84. and from this time until the -ilst of the same month the plans sub- 
uuttefl were given careful .study and investigation. The Board were 
unanimous in adopting the i»lans submitted by E. E. Myers, of Detroit, 
Michigan, ami the award was accordingly made to that gentleman October 
•>1. 1884. 

As soon as the working drawings of the proposed building were com- 

2() 



pleted, viz : February 4, 1885, the Board advertised tor sealed proposals 
for the erection and completion of the worlv as called for by the plans and 
specifications. March U), 1885, the bids, six in number, were opened, and 
at a session of the Board the following day the same were all rejected, and 
the work ordered re-advertised. Bids solicited by second advertisement 
were opened and considered by the the Board April !), 18S5. That of W. 
D. Richardson, of Springfield, Illinois, at $185,()41.B8 was found to be the 
lowest, but as the sum named exceeded the amount available and at the 
disposal of the Board, all bids were laid on the table. 

The result of both first and second biddiiiu- demonstrated that the 
building called for by tlie i)lans adopted could not be secured for the sum 
provided, viz : $150,000, and it was therefore determined to submit the 
facts to the Council to ascertain if any award should be made, or if plans 
for a less expensive building must be obtained. A special meeting of the 
Council was thereupon called by Mayor Belknap for Friday, April 10, and 
an invitation was also extended to citizens to be present. A full meeting 
of the Council, and a large number of prominent citizens responded to the 
call. After a full statement of the situation had been made to the meet- 
ing by President Thayer, of the Hoard of Public Works, a resolution was 
offered by Aid. Killean, which passed by sixteen votes, authorizing the 
Board to let the contract to the lowest responsible bidder. This action of 
the Council was fully endorsed by the citizens present, who, ujjon motion 
of Freeman Godfrey, voted unanimously in favor of the erection of a city 
hall after the plans adopted by the Board of Public Works, and that the con- 
tract for the same be awarded from among the bids now in the hands of said 
Board. Whereupon the members of the Board reassembled at the ortice 
of the Board of I'ublic Works and the bid of W. D. Richardson was 
accepted, and the contract for the erection of a City Hall, as called for by 
the plans of E. E. Myers, was awarded to said Richardson for the sum of 
$185,641.68. This contract was approved by the Council April 11, 1885. 

The first estimate upon this contract was certified by the Board June 
13, 1885. SettleuTcnt was had and final payment made the contractor 
August 25, 1888. 

The expenditures made by the Boaixl of Public Works in the erection 
of the City Hall are as follows : 

To W. D. Ricliardson. contractor $185,(341 68 

Extra work ordered not included in contract. . . . 3,494 13 

To E. E. Myers, architect 6,000 00 

For tiling fioors 8,899 96 

For heating apparatus and appliances 11,909 80 

For stone walks and coping 10,446 15 

For mantels and grates 1,888 10 

For gas fixtures 3,135 21 



For elevator and coniicctioiis ;j. Ifl8 5S 

For tower clock 2.231 61 

For bronze work l.Ui.S 12 

For inspectors of work 5,256 00 

For painting 461 15 

For oiling floors 364 48 

For printing 292 87 

For grading anfl sodding lot. sewers, etc 1.382 63 

Total S245,685 46 

Adding cost of real estate 34.450 00 

And cost of furniture 10.203 15 



And the grand total is seen to be 8200.338 61 

The names of the architect, contractor, siU>contractors an<l inspectors 
of works are as follows : 

E. E. Myers. Detroit. Michigan, architect. 

W. 1). Richardson, Springfield, Illinois, contractor. 

Weatlierly it Pulte. Grand Kapids, Michigan, mantels, grates and 
gas fixtures. 

Detroit Metal and Heating Works, steam heating apparatus and 
fixtures. 

E. Ferrand & Co.. Detroit, Michigan, tile work and bronze figures. 

Alex. Matheson, Grand Kapids. Michigan, stone walks and cojiing. 

Howard Watch Co., tower clock. 

W. E. Hale & Co., Chicago. Illinois, elevator. 

Andrews i*L- Co.. Chicago. Ulinois. bronze work. 

A. H. Fowle, Grand Kapids, Michigan, interior bronz*' work. 

I'rincipal sub-contractors were : 

Interior wood finish — Bennett A: Osbun, (iraud Rapids. Michigan. 

Slate roof — Knisley & Miller. Chicago. Illinois. 

riaster and stucco work— Dodge & Carey. (Jrand Kapids. Michigan. 

Plumbing — Weatlierly & Pulte, (irand Kapids. Michigan. 

Superintendents of work — John S. Farr and Charles Woodard. 

The furniture was supplied by the Phoenix Furnitm-e Company, after 
designs by I). W. Kendall. This work was done under the direction of the 
Common Council. 

Mr. Mayor, it would be natural and perhaps pardonable for me to 
avail myself of the present occasion to invite attention to the services of 
the Hoard of Public Works, in connection with the work now happily 
completed, but as the building itself is perhajis the best evidence of the 
value of their service, I nee»l only say that the plans adopted for this 
i)Milding represent the taste and judgement of the Board, while the man- 

28 



ner of its completion is our report of an important dnty performed — a 
public trust faithfully dischargeti. 

This completes my report, Mr. Mayor, and now to you. as the repre- 
sentative and chief executive of the city of Grand Rapids, I give the 
keeping and custody of this building, trusting that its pure architecture 
and harmonious lines may be a constant incentive to those who shall 
legislate within its walls to so act that the general good may be always 
promoted. 



Acceptance and Formal Opening by Mayor 
Weston. 

Mr. President : 

In behalf of Grand Rapids I am pleased to accept this handsome and 
commodious edifice, and as chief executive of this city I hereby declare it 
open for public use. 

It is a grand monument to the generous enterprise of our citizens; 
to the taste, the ability and the integrity of the Board that built, the archi- 
tect who iilanned and the contractor and superintendent charged with its 
erection. Graceful in design, solid in construction, ample iu accommoda- 
tions, it stands a source of pride to every one of our 75,000 inhabitants. 

For the first time our city government owns its home. Following the 
practical conservatism which has ever characterized the administration of 
our municipal matters, we first provided ample and elegant school struc- 
tures ; a complete system of necessary public improvements ; and now, in 
the full tide of prosperity, when the tax is scarcely felt, we build an offi- 
cial residence creditable to our rank among cities, where we can dwell in 
comfort and entertain with pride. 

But while proud of oiu- new and elegant home, I am far prouder of 
the record made by Grand Rapids during her fifty years" existence as a 
municipal government. The aim of her officials has been to give a pure, 
able and economical administration of public affairs ; to advance morality, 
promote enteri^rise, protect labor, administer justice and combat ignor- 
rance. During this half century there has been no definite charge of 
misconduct against an official i>f Grand Rapids. This fact is remarkable 
and should be an incentive for all to maintain the enviable reputation we 
have so thoroughly earned. Let us hope that all future legislation and 
official acts within these halls will be for the common weal— doing exact 
justice to all, remembering that the good done will survive long after these 
walls are in decay. 



29 



Remarks of Hon. Charles I. Walker. 

After a selectiou hy tlie Soliuhi'il Club. Mayor Weston said : 
Lndi£s and Oentlemen: 

I liave the honor of introducintr one of the pioneers of Grand Kapids. 
the only living ofhcial elected at the first nninieipal election held in what 
was then the Village of (hand llapids; a gentleman who. although no 
longer a resident of this city, still continues to reside in the state in 
which he has been hoiiored as a professor of law in our State University, 
as Judge of the leading circuit of the state, and a leader in his i)rofession, 
Judge Charles I. \Valker. of Detroit. 

Judge Walker said : 
Mr. Mayiir. and Ladies and Oentlemen : 

I came to (Jrand IJajuds in June, I8;i<'.. and remained here for five 
j'ears. and until 1S41, and. as has been said. I was one of the first Board 
of Trustees for the City of (Jrand Kapids, elected in 18:^8, and am the 
only surviving member of that Board. 

I have been invited to be jiresent on this occasion, and I had supjiosed 
that this was u|>on the ground that 1 was a kind of relic of anti(iuity. 
(I.aughter and ai)plause. ) Hut 1 see that it is anuouuceil that I am to 
make a speech. 

I have nuule no formal preimration for any such speech, and shall not 
make one. 1 may make a few suggestions in relation to matters as they 
were when I canu^ here in \8'.W, and soon after that. 

It affords me very great i>leasure to be present upon this occasion, the 
dedication of this building, the fiiu^st om- of the kind in the State of 
Michigan (applause), and to meet some of the ol<l-tinie friends. It is a 
pleasure to meet these friends, but. of course, there is mingled with this 
pleasure and Joy sonu' recollections, tender and dear, of the depart* d ones. 

One of the things that most deeply impresses me is the contra.st 
between Grand liaj>ids as it was in \sh(; and ':^8, and as it is to-day. 

This morning, before the rain began, I walked around this city some, 
and saw something of its beauties as it now exists. I have visited it 
occasionally within the last fifteen and twenty years, but it has got to be a 
wonderful and beautiful city. 

The first contrast that strikes me is as to the mode of getting here. I 
came to (irand Rapids from Detroit yesterday afternoon in a little over 
four hours. In ":>() it took from four to five days to come here. 

Those who are not familiar with a new country, and were not here at 
an early day. can hardly form any conception of the difticulty of making 
roads and traveling in a new country, especially if it is a wooded one. Ft 
took two (lays to get to Kalamazoo. There were two ways of getting 

:?0 



there, one through the heavy timbered hinds, by the way of Yankee 
Springs, and the other was to go up to the mouth of tiie 'J'horuapple Kiver 
at Ada. and ford it there, and then foliovv up the river to the south and 
ford it again near Leonard's, and finally to work our way until we got to 
Kalamazoo, taking two full days. The corduroy roads, the marshes, the 
fording of the streams, the rough bridges, are all fresh in my recollection. 

I cannot give you many of the adventures counerted with such travel, 
but let me mention some of the incidents of one single tri]). ' 

In the fall of 1836 I was appointed a delegate to the Senatorial Con- 
vention, to be held at Schoolcraft. I started with my associate in a stage, 
a common two-horse lumber wagon, and airived at the mouth of the 
Thoruapple v\\e\\ which we undertook to ford, and in driving over the 
wagon floated up and lifted out the king-bolt, and the horses went ahead 
and left the hind wheels and the box of the wagon floating down the rivt^r. 
(Applause. ) 

This is one of my experiences, but we got some help from Rix Robin- 
son's men and otliers and some Indians, and rescued the wagon and con- 
tents from the river. There happened to be a man along there with a 
buggy, which had a step with a round shank to it. That step was filed off 
and made into a king-bolt, and we went on. 

On my way back I had a still more striking experience. We took 
passage in the same stage. The stage driver had a saddle horse under his 
charge that he was taking to Grand Rapids, and I was permitted to mount 
the saddle in preference to a seat in the stage wagon. We staid all night 
at Leonard's, and in the early morning the stage started for Grand Rapids 
and I accompanied it on a horse. Anions the i)asseugers was a gentle- 
man, his wife and child, who were from Detroit, and on their way to 
Grandville. 

We set out to cross the ui)per ford of the 'I'liurnapiile : the water was 
generally too deep for that purpose, but there was a ridge at a ])articular 
point where tlie water was sutficiently shallow to enable us to ford the 
stream. 

The stage wagon with the passengers was driven into the river, but 
soon got into deep water, and the horses became frightened, and the 
wagon commenced floating and seemed about to turn over in the stieam. 
I was on the river bank in the saddle, and seeing the wagon tun\ing over 
I rode in and caught the baby in my arms and took it to the bank of the 
river and dropi)e(l it down, then I went back to rescue the mother. I 
made son\e futile efforts, and found that the only way to do this was to 
throw my arms around her and thus carry her to the shore, wliich I did. 

Some of the baggage got into the river and the horses were greatly 
excited and would make no eftort to get the wagon to the shore. Myself and 
the other male i)assengers waded into the water nearly up to our arm pits. 

:J1 



unhitclied tlie lioises aud stayed thei'e aud held tlie wagon uutil the driver 
went back to a farm house and got a yoke of oxen and a chain, and with 
their aid the wagon was got out. 

1 thought Grand Kapids at tlie time to be a very busy place for one of 
its size, but one of the contrasts that now impresses me deeply is tlie busi- 
ness of that day compared witli the Imsiness of to-day as one looks around 
this great and beautiful city. 

Grand Rapids had in early Is8i> somewlitMc fmui four to five hundred 
))eople. It filled up very much during that year, aud it was at tliat time 
a very busy place. There were some old Indian traders, and among them 
Louis and Antoine Campau. Richard Godfroy and others, and there was 
not a little of Indian trading, indeed, the principal traffic was .selling 
goods to tlie Indians and buying furs of them. There were no agricul- 
tural products brought into market at that time. Our flour, (mr pork, our 
butter, etc.. were in the main brought from Ohio by vessels coming round 
the lakes aud up the river. The truth Is there had been comparatively 
little farming done at that time, and everything was very new. Louis 
Campau came here in \X2», ten years previous to this time, but it was not 
until 1834 that the i)0))ulatioii began to come into Grand Rapids and the 
country around it. but from that time until the close of is^o there had 
been a great intlux <if j)opulation. and there was one of the most wonder- 
ful booms in the value of property that was ever known. Tlie;e has been 
not liiuiT like it since. A great rush of immigration with the expectation 
that land was to grow immen.sely in value prevailed. The woods were 
(iiled with men following section lines, looking out valuable lands. 
1 know souiething of tliis for it was a ])art of my business. 1 came here 
as the agent of some investors in real estate, who wanted to purchase other 
lands, and I know what it is to follow section lines day after day, looking 
up lauds to be entered. The exjieriences were not always agreeable, but 
it is wonderful how good salt pork tasted in some of these trips, and even 
the raw salt pork I have eaten under circumstances that made it taste 
delicious. 

I rememl>er upon one occasion myself aud eompanion had been fol- 
lowing section lines the entire day, and made a great effort to reach a log 
hut rather thau camp for the night upon the ground. Upon reaching it 
we found tliat there was but one bed in the l)uildinir. but they made up a 
l)lace on the tioor lor us to sleep, aud we laid tlown there. 1 have a dis- 
tinct recttllection of having my slumbei's disturbed by mice running over 
my face in the night time. This was one of our experiences. 

As I have said, there was an immense boom in real estate all over the 
laiul in is;^ti. Michigan was the nearest of the Western States to the 
East, and the lloud of immigration was very great, and the ))romises of the 



future seemetl wonderful to the speculators, aud they were buying village 
lots in paper towns and real estate everywhere. 

It is difficult for one who has not passed through such an experience 
to conceive the v^'ouderful change that followed this boom aud rush of im- 
migration when the suspension of specie payments came in 183T. Busi- 
ness seemed utterly prostrate, and the price of real estate was very greatly 
depressed. Those who had bought laud of the government at government 
prices deliberately let them be sold for taxes, rather than pay the taxes 
and keep the laud. Purchasers w ho had paid one-half of the purchase 
price of the lands bought by them, chose to give them up, rather than pay 
the balance due. This great depression continued for some years. 

There is one thing I wish to speak of and that is the culture, enter- 
prise and energy of Grand Rapids at that early day. I have been familiar 
with ambitious towns in New England aud New York, and many of them, 
and I never saw a village of its size that had so many intelligent, culti- 
vated and enterprising men aud women as Grand Eapids had at that early 
day. I believe in the doctriue of heredity ; I think that these principles 
and practices have come down to Grand Rapids of to-day, and that its 
culture, intelligence, enterprise aud wealth of to-day is owing largely to 
these early settlers. There were many cultured ladies and a most charm- 
ing, delightful social circle. Let me mention a few of those names to 
illustrate my meaning. There was General Withey, the father of the 
late Judge Withey, with his family, you have his representatives here 
to-day. There were the two Hinsdills, Hiram and Myron, and their 
decendants are still with you. There was Judge Almy aud Deacon Page, 
who lived side by side in log huts by the side of the river. They were 
cultured people. You know the representatives of Deacon Page. One is 
Mrs. Richmond and the other is Mrs. Custer, the widow of General Cus- 
ter. There was refinement and culture in these homes and in many 
others. Among others that might be named was the Pierces and Smiths' 
Judge Martin, the Nelsons and others. 

There are some among you to-day that came to Grand Rapids about 
the same time that I did, and who need no eulogy from me ; you know 
them well and appreciate them. I refer to Dr. Shepard and Charles H. 
Taylor. . 

There were some men and women of culture who were here tempor- 
arily and who have left no descendants, but who contributed their share 
to the organization of the social circle of Grand Rapids. One was Dr. 
Higginson, a brother of the author, Wentworth Higginson, a man of high 
culture and noble character. And there was S. M. Johnson and the 
Coggseshalls. There was also the Winsors, William A. Richmond and 
Noble H. Finney and the Lymans. They wei"e classes of men that any 
community might well be proud of. Subse(iuently others came who 

33 



materially aided iu giving character to the place. Tiiere was John Ball, 
whose reputation is well known to most of you. He came in 1837, I think, 
about the same time Thomas B. Church and the Rev. Addison Ballard 
came, and others still could be mentioned. There was a social life, even 
in these hard times of 1837, that was wonderful, both socially and intel- 
lectually. We had a Grand Rapids Lyceum that was the best Lyceum I 
ever attended, and I have been a member of lyceums in New York and 
in Vermont, but I have never known of one of such a high standard of 
culture as this one at Grand Rapids at that day. The leading persons 
that 1 have mentioned took part in this lyceum, and the social character 
of the town was quite as remarkable. 

My recollections of Grand Rapids are most delightful, as it continued 
from 1830 to the time I left in 1S41, and I say, as I said before, I think the 
character of the people who first settled here has something to do with the 
character of (Jrand Rapids, and that their influence is felt to this day. 

You have a most beautiful city. It surprised me to see the iuiprove- 
meuts that are being made and the business that exists hei'e. You are 
the second city in size iu the state, but there are a great many larger cities 
in other states that will not compare with this in beauty, and iu the 
character and enterprise of its people. You may well be proud of these 
citizens and of this beautiful city. You may also well be proud of this 
structure, as a specimen of the taste, enterprise and character of this 
municipality. 

I thank you. As 1 said before, 1 did not come to make a speech, and 
I have no formal speech to make, but I am glad to meet you, and that you 
may look upon me as one of the relics of antiquity. (Applause.) 



Remarks of Ex-Mayor George W. Tha3'er. 

After a musical selection renderetl by the Schubert Club, Mayor Wes- 
ton said : 

Ladies and Oentlemen : 

Several months ago, as this iniilding ap])roached completion, 1 recom- 
mended to the Comuiou Council the appointment of a committee consist 
ing of the living ex-Mayors of the c'ty, to act in connection with our Build- 
ing Committee in arranging the ceremonies of this opening. I also sug- 
gested as the chairman of that committee one of our honored ex-Mayoi"S, 
an ex-President of the Board of Public works, who was instrumental and 
very active in the erection of this building. In naming the sub-committees 
I apiiointed him chairman of the committee to arrange the prograunne. 
I had advised him that he would be expected to speak on this occasion^ 
but I see, with his usual modesty, he omitted his name from the pro- 

34 



gramme, and 1 will, therefore, call for some remarks from Hon. George 
W. Thayer. 

Mr. Thayer said : 
Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen : 

As I have but recently been advised that 1 should be called upon on 
this occasion, I am not prepared to do justice at this time to the topic that 
should occupy my thoughts. Being unable in consequence of pressing 
duties to give attention to what I should desire to present to you orally, I 
have taken the liberty to meet this emergency by committing to paper a 
few lines only. 

This occasion is one of more than passing interest to those members 
of the Board of Public Works under whose supervision this building was 
planned and erected. It is more than four years since this now fully 
completed work was commenced. Without previous experience in the 
erection of public buildings of this class, the Board undertook the duties 
that devolved upon them ; they gained knowledge as to the manner in 
which they should proceed, by the most painstaking investigation, and by 
the considerate exercise of their most mature judgment. And now, after 
reviewing the work they have accomplished, and the methods by which it 
was attained, there are but few changes that their experience suggests. 

These exercises will be lastingly impressed upon our minds by reason 
of the commendatory words that have fallen upon our ears ; they will 
serve to illumine the past, and hereafter as our minds review the some- 
what thorny path that we have together gone over, these words will come 
to us again and again, and fill us with a glow of pride and satisfaction ; 
they must ever be to us a well spring of pleasure. Yet we shall never be 
unmindful of the fact, that all our solicitude, efforts and labor have only 
been to do as God gave us to see it, a plain duty ; a duty that we owed to 
the public, whose interest has ever been our one motive of action. How 
successful we have been in those efforts, your kind assurances and this 
building will long stand as enduring evidence. 



Letter of Ex-Maj^or C. C. Comstock. 

Mayor Weston read the following communication from ex-Mayor C. 
C. Comstock : 

Grand Rapids, Mich., September 26, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor. 

Dear Sir : As a citizen and taxpayer of Grand Rapids I wish to 
acknowledge my obligations to the projectors and builders of this substan- 
tial and beautiful monument to the enterprise of our time. As the gen- 
erations come and go for peaceful ages, and the old records in its vaults 

35 



grow dim, these solid walls and iron pillars will stand as silent witnesses 
of the care, skill and integrity of the builders. When we consider the 
cost of construction, we should be prouder of the builders tlian of the 
building. Had they been but ordinary men and ofiicials, it might have 
cost §100,000 more and been worth .?100,000 less. I would be pleased to 
see their names engraved upon its walls, an<l above all in raised letters of 
solid gold the name of George W. Thayer, ex-President of the Board of 
Public Works. Very respectfully yours, 

C. C. COMSTOCK. 



Remarks of Ex-Mayor John W. Cliampliu, Judge 
of the Supreme Court. 

Mr. Mayor, Ladles and Oentlemen : 

The city of Grand Rapids was organized as a city government in 1850. 
Thirty-eight years have passed since then, and there have been twenty- 
eight mayors of the city. Not alluding to myself, I may say that they 
have been all worthy citizens, men of integrity, uprightness and zeal for 
the welfare of Grand Rapids. Indeed, three of them have been called to 
fill higher positions. So it seems as if the mayoralty was a stepping stone 
to representative in Congress; but it is not a true talisman, for the reason 
that at least two of the others have received the nomination and did not 
get there. (Applause.) Nine have died and passed away, nearly one- 
third of the whol.* number. This is no time nor occasion for any eulogium 
upon their lives and characters. Messrs. Williams. Cole, Withey, Foster, 
Fox, Pierce. Aldrich. Smith and White have passed away. They were 
noble men and 

They labored in their sphere as men who live 

In the delight that work alone can give. 

Peace be to them, eternal peace and rest, 

And the fulfillment of the great behest: 

"Ye have been faithful over a few things. 

Over ten cities shall ye reign as Kings." 

When we mark the progress of the growth of this city, when we look 
at its material i)rosperity, its gradual expansion, its increase of population, 
its schools and churches, its local improvements, designed to secure the 
health and happiness of the pef)ple, we may be excused if we should upon 
this occasion indulge in a little self-glorification. 

What distinguishes a citizen of Grand Rapids from all others is his 
abiding faith in the future of the city of Grand Rapids. Upon this 
theme their hearts beat in unison. You hear it in their voice, you 
see it glistening in their eyes, you catch the inspiration from their 
gesture when this theme is touched upon. He may wander away, 

36 



he may visit other lands, but whether he mingles with the busy 
marts of the world and views with wonder their stupendous structures, 
their work of art, or ponders over the history of the past, whether he 
strays among the orange groves of Florida or lingers among the vineyards 
of the Pacific slope, with its golden fruit, his heart turns with pride to his 
own beautiful city in the valley. Such feelings are commendable. It 
was in speaking of his own Scotland that Sir Walter Scott said : 

"Bri^athes there a man with soul so dead 

Who never to himself hath said, 

This is my own, my native land, 

Whose heart has ne'er within him burned, 

As home his footsteps he haih turned, 

Prom wandering on a foreign strand? 

If snch there be, go, mark him well; 

For him no Minstrel raptures swell; 

High though his titles, proud his name. 

Boundless his wealth as wish can claim; 

Despite those titles, power and pelf, 

The wretch conceniered all in self, 

Living shall forfeit fair renown. 

And doubly dying, shall go down 

To the vile dust, from whence he sprung. 

Unwept, unhonored and unsung." 

This faith in the future of Grand Rapids has always been entertained 
from its founders down. They looked forward and pictured in their im- 
agination a great and prosperous city. Before there were a dozen houses 
here they had a great city laid out on paper, and they marked thereon a 
ship canal around the rapids, and the dam, and the water power. I remem- 
ber one lithograph of a portion of the city which was gotten up by James 
Scribner. one of the pioneers of this to\^tfi and one of the proprietors of 
Scribner & Turner's plat, and the sole proprietor of Scribner's Oak Oil, 
which, when I first came here, was a sovereign remedy for all the ills that 
flesh was heir to in those days, including fever and ague, which was the 
most common ailment at that time. Then there was but one bridge across 
Grand river, and that was upon Bridge street. This lithographic plat of 
Scribner's had three bridges across Grand river marked upon it, and 
strange to say, very nearly where three have been built since. Through 
his eye of faith he saw three bridges span the majestic stream, but the 
reality has outstripped what seemed at that time the chimera of an enthu- 
siast; but there was one thing indicated on this map that has not yet come 
to pass. As I said, the bridges, the dam and the water power were all 
laid down on the map, and there was also an arrow in the stream indicat- 
ing the course of the current, and the point of the arrow was up stream, 
indicating that the water of the river ran up over the rapids, instead of 
down. That part of the proprietor's prophecy has not yet been fulfilled, 
but I will not venture to say it may not be. 



Grand Rapids has lately become a port of entry by act of Congress, 
and if ever a sliip enters this port it will be when the waters of Lake 
Michigan run up the rapids. Perhaps this may yet be done by act of 
Congress, or by act of God. 

It has been a long time to wait for this building, but none too long. 
It is better we should be grown to manhood befon^ we put on man's attire. 

We have waited until our growth called for such a building as this, 
and here in this city of beautiful and tasty homes, of miles of solid blocks, 
of manufactories where the hum of industry and the music of the swift 
turning wheels keep pace with the revolving hours, this building in its 
beauty of design and magnificent proi)ortions sits like a jewel in a crown. 
Appropriate, not for a day, but for generations which shall come after us 
and fill these corridors and offices with the music of their voices, and to 
whose wisdom, care and foresight we must commit the future welfare and 
renown of this goodly city. 

It is a beautiful monument commemorative of the energy, enterprise 
and prosperity of the city we love. ''From turret to foundation stone" it 
stands unique in its simplicity, and yet it is not complete. It lacks one 
thing. I have admired its exterior. I have inspected its spacious rooms, 
its corridors and entrance-ways. I have searched for and have not found 
some tablet whereon was inscribed the cost of its construction, the names, 
which should be imperishable, of those fellow-citizens who have given 
their time almost gratuitously to the careful construction of this beautiful 
edifice, and through whose oversight it has been erected. 

i am not the only one who has noticed this omission. A communica- 
tion from an ex- Mayor has already been read; some of the largest tax- 
payei^s of the city have suggested to me the propriety of some action to be 
taken by this meeting, looking to sujiplying this omission. I therefore 
present to this meeting the following preamble and resolution : 

Wherea.s, the construction of this building has from its first beginning 
to its final completion been under the direction of the Board of Public 
Works. 

And whereas, no city in this Union can show a public building more 
beautiful in design or more thoroughly and substantially constructed in 
every detail for a like cost to the tax payers. 

And whereas, this City Hall presents indispiital)le evidence of careful 
attention, of fidelity and integrity to the public interests on the part of 
those who have had its construction in charge : 

Therefore, as a testimonial of public api)reciation of such services, be 
it resolved, by the citizens of Grand Rapids on this occasion assembled, 
that the Common Council, their chosen representatives, be and hereby are 
respectfully requested to cause to be erected at the expense of the city in 
one of the conidors of this hall, or in some other suitable and conspicuous 

38 



place a tablet of stone or metal, containing the names of George W. 
Thayer, George G. Briggs, Wilder D. Stevens, Adelmer D. Plumb, David 
E. Emery and James N. Davis, under whose direction and supervision 
this building was erected, together with the names of the architect who 
designed the plan and the c(mtractor who performed the work, containing 
also the cost of construction, and the fact that it was erected by the Board 
of Public Works, and that such tablet was placed at the request of the tax- 
payers as a testimonial to official integrity and faithful discharge of duty 
to the public. 



Remarks of Thomas D. Gilbert, Ex-AIember of 
the Board of Public Works. 

Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Oentlcrnen : 

I am not as well fixed as my friend, Judge Champliu, was (applause), 
so it is quite possible I may say something that I shall wish I had not. 1 
am very thankful, to say the least, for this oppoi'tunity to express my in- 
dividual thanks as a tax-payer and citizen to the gentlemen who have had 
charge of the construction of this liuilding. And I am especially thankful 
that they have not been crowded into undue haste in its completion. Time 
is an essential element in the development of a good building, and they 
have taken that time, and I am thankful that it is so. There comes a time 
in the history of all municipalities when it becomes necessary to take 
power in a measure out of the hands of the masses ; that is universal 
The time came in the history of Grand Rapids when we had to have a 
School Board ; we had to have a Board of Police and Fire Commissioners; 
we had to have a Board of Public Works. There was opposition at first, 
as there always is, but I believe that has been entirely eliminated by the 
manner in whicli our Board has discharged its duty. So that it may be 
fairly said, that on the whole the people of Grand Rapids, as they usually 
are in other cities, have been greatly benefitted by the operation of these 
Boards. 

Now, Mr. Mayor, as 1 look over this splendid building, our bridges, 
which cannot be excelled anywhere, our churches, school houses, street 
railways, public library, everything, in fact, that constitutes a flourishing 
city, there comes up before my mental vision the first time that 1 paid a 
visit to Grand Rapids. It goes back a year beyond the time of my friend, 
Mr. Walker, in the summer of 1835. A dozen little wooden tenements, 
an 18x24 hotel that stood on what is now Campau Square, our streets, the 
best of them, but Indian trails, a duck pond where the postoftice stands, 
one third of the First ward, where all the railways now concentrate, an 
impassable swamp, the west side of the river the property of the Ijulian, 

39 



with not a white niau betweeu Grand river and Mackinac — these con- 
trasts come up before my mental vision, and I cannot realize that so much 
has been accomplished. It would not be safe to predict what Grand Rai)- 
ids may be in tifty-three years more. 

We all know that it must progress, because we have an enterinisinsj:, 
energetic people that never seem to know when to stop. As the Mayor 
has truly said, we have been in the main a fortunate city in our municipal 
affairs ; we have a good ecjuivalent for everything we have ever taxed out 
of the people. And now that they are going into this splendid home, I 
think and hope that there may be a continuation of that hapi)y condition 
of things. In that room yonder [pointing to the Superior Court room] the 
blind Goddess of Justice will preside, and I think we may expect that to 
our iieople even-handed justice will there be administered : and I hope 
that the time may come when our judges shall not be compelled to dabble 
in the dirty pool of politics. 

In that corner [pointing to the Council chamber] will preside the men 
that more immediately control our destiny. Under the charter they have 
the right to go down deep into our pockets. They are there this year, but 
it is not their fault. We were bound to have this splendid building, and 
we have obtained it, and this year we nnist pay the piper. We have reason 
to expect that the gentlemen who may occupy this room will be able after 
the cuiTcnt yeai- to relieve us very materially from any further oppressive 
taxation. Our public necessities are largely filled ; we are well supplied 
with school houses. Better bridges were never built, and our public 
buildings of all kinds, engine houses, school houses and this City Hall, 
are monuments to our enterprise and willingness to be taxed to have 
suitable accommodations. 1 will not <letain you any longer. 



Remarks of Hx-Mayor Thomas B. Church. 

Mayor Weston said, I will now call upon our oldest living ex-Mayor, 
one of the pioneers of Grand Rapids, Hon. Thomas B. Church. Mr. 
Church said : 

Permit me, Mr. Mayor, first of all, to straighten our historical record 
a little. I notice you designate ova- guest and speaker of this day, Hon. 
Charles I. Walker, as the first Treasurer of the village of Grand llapids. 
If, in fact, he acted as Treasurer, it was by virtue of his office as a Trustee 
of the village. Examination shows he was a member of the first Board of 
Trustees, and is the only survivor of that Board. Then in 1840 he was 
elected to the State Legislature from the district, of whicli Kent coimty 
was a part. Thus he was, more especially the representative of this then 
village in 1S41 ; the Legislature then sitting in Detroit. And thus he 

40 



figures most creditably in our auuals, and is most appropriately summoned 
to lead the proceedings of this day. 

I am called on as the oldest living ex-Mayor. The a^t incoruorating 
the city of Grand Rapids was passed in the year 1849-50. Under it Henry 
R. Williams was elected Mayor in the spring of 1850 ; Ralph W. Cole in 
1851, and William H. Withey in 1852. These gentlemen, according to 
the political nomenclature of that time, were Whigs. I was elected in 
April, 1853. When nominated and elected I was attending court in De- 
troit. There being then no telegraph, and the facilities for travel very 
poor, to notify me and get me home before the commencement of my term 
of office was impossible. The Council, consisting of five members, with 
which I was to act, adjourned its session twice. Doctor Charles Shephard 
and Noyes L. Avery are the only surviving members. I was called on for 
a message to be delivered to that Council, "just as was done over in Chi- 
cago." then an inconsiderable burg over the lake. Well, 1 agreed to do so, 
and read my address to my little Council. The transition from village to 
city had not been much noticed. No style had been put on ; but the first 
message was an attempt, at least, to set up the little city. The address 
was ordered px-iuted ; different subjects therein discussed, referred to com- 
mittees, and then the city and the world moved on as before. 

The message this year, of our present Mayor, the last issued document 
of that kind, reminded me of the first one, and 1 hunted up a copy. Of 
the message of Mayor Weston, I wish to say, that it is a full and iuterest- 
iug statement of the present condition and prospects of our city. Its won- 
derful growth, its resources, its future development are exhibited statisti- 
cally and reliably, so that as a public and authorative document, the coun- 
cil should have furnished extra copies for circulation. It would promote 
our boom as much as "The Grand Rapids as It Is" of the Board of Trade, 
being very brief and handy to circulate. 

The contrast between the years 1853 and 1888, in the matter of means 
of travel and transportation, possessed by this city, was so great, that I 
am induced to quote from my message a paragraph descriptive of our situ- 
ation at the first date. 1 will premise by saying that the State of Michigan 
had become a^yare that Grand Rapids City existed, and was likely to be 
quite an important point. The removal of the Capitol from Detroit to 
Lansing in 1847, the erection of public buildings on that location in the 
timbered land, in 1849 and 1850, had opened the eyes of the people in the 
southern tiers of counties to the fact that there was some considerable 
country north of the couuties and towns lying on the central and southern 
railroads, then in part constructed. I wrote somewhat complainingly of 
our remote position and its difficulties. "This city is fast becoming a 
point of interest; situated on a river, navigable by steamboats one hun- 
dred miles into the interior ; surrounded by a fertile country (into which 

41 



population is rapidly Howingj. controlling witliout corapetitiou the busi- 
ness of a district oversweitt by a radius forty miles in length, in nearly 
every direction ; provided by the rai>ids of tlie river with a water power of 
immense capacity; and with lumber, building stone, lime, plaster and 
other materials of improvement, in due proportion, in inexhaustible quan- 
tities and of cheap prejiaration ; this city possesses the elements of exten- 
sive growth and of i)ermanent prosperity. That a section of country so 
rich as the (Jrand river valley, and a city combining so many advantages 
as Grand Rapids should have remained comparatively isolated and in 
many respects, entirely dissevered from any business connection with the 
commercial metropolis of om* state, has been an adverse circumstance. It 
has depressed enterprise and delayed the development of our abundant 
resources." 

Then 1 mentioned the most probable and approaching removal of our 
difficulties, the only way then promised of union with the outside world 
of business. 

"We can congratulate ourselves and our constituency on a favorable 
change in these relations; the construction of the Pontiac and Ottawa 
Railroad, a work permeating a most productive tier of counties in this 
state, and conducting the travel of the north, west and east over the cen- 
tral railroads of Canada, New York and New England, places this city in 
a position worthy of the happy facilities to which I have adverted, brings 
it into an intimate alliance with Detroit and will in a few years firmly 
consolidate its interests and establish its character as the Rochester of 
Michigan, beyond the chances of retardation or relapse." I recommended, 
that with such encouragement, the Council should enter upon legislation 
adapted to our condition and sure prospects. 

"Our legislation should be carried on in a spirit appreciative of our 
position and prospicient of such future influences. The inevicable destiny 
of our city should be realized and provided for, and although our action 
may be embarrassed by the narrow means of this day, yet we should ever 
hold in view the large necessities of a time not far remote. Our legisla- 
tion may impose consequences of great and continuing importance on a 
municipal incorporation, just hardening Into the bone of manhood." 

The council, thus urged, resolved much and effected some things. 
We tried first to establish dock lines, as they are technically called, to 
mark out and protect from invasions the bed of the river, upon which 
encroachment had already commenced and which has since gone on to an 
extent that will hereafter cause very calamitous effects. All the result of 
our work in that regard was a wharf at the foot of Pearl street, constructed 
by one of the Council, as contractor, Mr. Caswell, a part of which is prob- 
ably now buried many feet under that street continued out to and over the 
adjacent islaml. We proposed a system of grades and lines of sewerage, 

42 



for all the plats then made and recorded, to which future additions must 
be adjusted, and this the more earnestly as we then had in the city an 
engineer of great skill and experience. John Aliny, who had done in 1834 
a like work for the city of Detroit ; "that splendid system of sewerage 
and street grades that has proved so beneficial to that city." Conflicting 
interests resisted that measure, and our city has gone on i>ayiug damages 
for changed gi-ades, paying for opening streets, which speculators in city 
property should have been compelled to provide for in their plats ; and 
there will not be very soon any end to the involved litigation and expense. 
Our big trouble, however, was the liquor business. The state laws of 
18.53 (a Maine law) compelled the city to^appoint an agent, who must give 
a bond, and then be the only vender of liquors for any purposes whatever. 
The Council appointed Dr. Charles Shepherd agent, ordered Alderman 
Caswell to purchase five hundred dollars" worth of liquors to put into his 
charge. The doctor soon tired of the business, and while we were worry- 
ing over the matter, down upon the council comes the imperative demand 
of Harvey P. Yale, a citizen of much influence, at that time, for the im- 
mediate destruction of our liquor stores as "adulterated liquor,'" under a 
section of the revised statutes of 1846, giving us in his communication the 
page and section under which we must act. It was a bomb shell cast at 
the Council. The records do not show what was done, nor do I recollect, 
only the fact that as a retailer of liquors, gin, brandy, whiskey and beer 
and ales, the city was not a success. That law of 18.53 first fell into in- 
nocuous disuetude, and was in 1855 repealed. 

But this Council raised the money to pay oft the old village indebted- 
ness, a considerable sum, and bought for the city Mr. Louis Carapau's 
reversionary interest in the north half of the Fulton street park (as it is 
now called), which purchase gave the city that possession of the court 
house square, which has ripened into full title to that beautiful lot. But 
I will detain you no longer with a detail of our proposed work or its fail- 
ures. We had high notions perhaps, and aimed at impracticable ends. 
Our premature plans hurt nobody, and an agency was at work all the while 
rapidly producing the changes and improvements desired. That was the 
wonderful enterprise of those pioneers of this city, the business men. 
They were a most remarkable set of men, in their activity, their foresight, 
their liberality and their large public spirit. There was Henry R. Wil- 
liams, coming from Buffalo, securing some money and co-operation in De- 
troit, then removing the twelve feet of superincumbent earth from the 
strata of gypsum, then erecting the mills and then preparing for the mar- 
ket of plaster in bulk and ground ; Daniel Ball with credit at Buffalo and 
Rochester, building his flour mills and steamboats, and filling his large 
stores with the substantials of life ; Charles C. Comstock. bearing the high 
endorsement of the Winchester Bank of New Hampshire, and at once, by 

43 



the multiplicity of his works, and the energy he put into them, justifying 
that eiulorsenient. To Mr. Comstock must be allowed the honor of the 
introduction and placing on a safe business that particular industry, which 
has made our city a world wide reinitatiou. the uianufacturiiiir of furni- 
ture. 

Then I must mention, in view of their character and intliu'uce, Doc- 
tors Penney and Gumming, preachers of the gosjjel. learned and busy 
men, strong in their pulpits, and engaging in the business of tlie streets 
with sagacity and success. Their example was c(»ntagi<ms; a high stand- 
ard of action was thereby created, and I do not use too strong language 
when I say their residence and labors at that early date was a benediction 
to Grand Kapids. 

I suggested to Dr. Penney, who had the matter in hand, the motto 
now to be read on our city seal. "Motu Yigef (By motion, by acti(m. it 
grows.) Restless etfort, constant action causes growth. The history of 
our city illustrates and justifies the selection of the phrase of the Latin 
author, so concise and expressive. May it ever characterize the city of 
Grand Rapids. 



Remarks of Col. Tliaddeiis Foote. 

Mr. Mayor, LtuUes and Gentlemen: 

I believe I belong to that class which Judge Walker describes as relics 
of antiquity, and I suppose for that reason I was assigned a place in these 
exercises. 

The dedication of this magnificent building, fellow citizens, to public 
use, is an event of so much importance that all classes of our citizens, 
from the most exalted to the most humble, particijjate in the general joy. 
As one of the survivors of the past, whose interest in the steady growth 
and permanent improvement of this city increases with every new mani- 
festation of a healthy and vigorous life, these exercises inspire me with a 
satisfaction that no figures of speech can express. 

I am glad, very glad, tliat at last this imposing edifice is thoroughly 
completed, and that it is to take the place of those transitory apartments 
hitherto occupied for business by the officers of the city, which could 
hardly be found in the day time by a stranger, if he took the whole day, 
and perhaps not by night, even with a lighted candle. They are now in 
immediate proximity, and I hope the occupants of these comfortable 
quarters will find mutual convenience and advantage in being near each 
other, and at home to the public ; whose generous provision will render it 
easy to be courteous and polite to all who have business here. With un- 
measured admiration we welcome the accomplishment of an enterprise 
which crowns with success the golden hopes and the wise judgment of the 

44 



early settlers. They anticipated building a city here, and now look 
around you. With a just pride we set apart this day for rejoicing and 
mutual congratidation, and by so doing we intend to commemorate an 
epoch in the history of our city. This is a spacious, corniuodious and 
beautiful structure, suitable and appropriate in all its appointments, con- 
venient in every arrangement, and as perfect, from the foundation to the 
topmost stone, as the skill of master workmen could make it. There are 
many lessons of instruction that it imparts, and which will acquire addi- 
tional force with the vanishing years. I cannot attempt to enumerate 
them in the short time allotted to me. It denotes, however, confidence in 
the durability of the system of our city government, and the prosperity 
of the institutions which that government cherishes and supports. It 
marks the increase of our population, and all that is implied by it; and 
the general prosperity of the people, which implies every blessing that 
the most advanced civilization can confer. It is situated in the heart of 
the city, and from it, I trust, will emiuate a healthful life-blood of political 
integrity that will reach its remotest limits. In almost every city of our 
country, self-aggrandisement has supplanted, and, in some instances, 
totally eradicated the obligations of public duty, and peculation and job- 
bery have so prevailed as to have shaken the confidence of the masses in 
the general utility of municipal government. It affords me unbounded 
pleasure to speak the record of our entire history as a city — that there is 
no room to plant, and no congenial soul here in which the thorns and 
thistles of official misconduct can live and flourish. (Applause.) 

In this particular, this city — ladies and gentlemen, I feel a pride in 
saying it — has no rival in the country. Did you ever hear of an embezzle- 
ment by any officer of this city of its funds ? Never. In this particular, 
therefore, I say this city has ho rival. The treasury of a city has come, in 
these prosperous and hurrying times, to be thought an object of legitimate, 
or at least venial plunder. Extravagance of expenditure is the rule. 
Economy of public expense is seldom made the object of supreme import- 
ance, and I wish, therefore, the true history of this structure, in every 
detail, might be engraved upon every stone of it (and you see how general 
this sentiment prevails, for not a man who sees me but has spoken the 
same thought, although without concert), so that coming generations 
might learn the character of men who build cities and who worthily wear 
the honors of public approbation. Knowing that, they will be able to 
realize, as we do to-day, how much more valuable is an irreproachable 
character than millions of sordid treasure. It was not expected, when it 
was incorporated, that this city would escape altogether the contagion that 
has reached almost every city of its size throughout the land, but in this 
respect we are able to say, without boasting, that ours is absolutely with- 
out spot or blemish. Every department of the city government is in 

45 



this matter entirely without stain. And in the department of our public 
works especially (and I say it without disparagement to any other) there 
has never been a suspicion in any healthy brain, that its business was not 
conducted with an eye solely for the public good ; and in the erection of this 
edifice, public ecouoiny in every particular, consistent with durability, has 
been the guiding and controlling purpose of that body. But that body com- 
mitted the detail of its construction chiefly to one of their number ; and to 
him especially it is an enduring monument of official honor and integrity 
Let it survive the ravages of time, and let it forever be associated with the 
vigorous good faith, unselfish fidelity and robust honesty of the late Presi- 
dent of the Board, George W. Thayer. Permit me to relieve my mind of 
its burden, and speak the language of my heart and bring its tribute here; 
the homage of my admiration and gratitude, to the dignity and worth ofa 
conscientious and honest man in the public service, now no longer there. 
(Applause.) 

After a musical selection by the Schubert Clui), the benediction was 
pronounced by the Right Rev. H. J. Richter, D. D., Bishop of Grand 
Rapids. 



46 



Letters of Regret. 

Among the munerous letters of regret received by the Committee on 
Invitations were tlie following : 

PRESIDENT CLEVELAND. 

Executive Mansion, Washington. 

The President acknowledges the courtesy of the invitation to attend 
the formal opening and dedication of the City Hall at Grand Rapids, 
Michigan, on Wednesday, September 26, and regrets his inability to be 
present on that occasion. 

Saturday, September 22, 188!^. 



PRESIDENT-ELECT HARRISON. 

Indianapolis. Ind., Nov. 23, 188N. 
I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

My Dear Sir : Your invitation to be )>resent at the dedication of 
the City Hall at Grand Rapids has ^-emained unanswered until this time, 
because of the extraordinary demands upon my time since the date of its 
receipt. At this late day, however, permit me to acknowledge the cour- 
tesy extended me, and to regret that it did n<jt receive a prompter acknowl- 
edgment. Very truly yours, 

BENJAMIN HARRISON. 

CHIEF JUSTICE FULLER. 

Chicago, September 27, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Grand Rapids. 

My Dear Sir : I regret that absence in the East prevented me from 
accej)ting your courteous invitation to attend the exercises upon the detli- 
cation of the new City Hall at Grand Rapids, which I find upon my return. 
Such buildings, when erected, as in the instance of your thriving city, in 
response to the actual needs as well as the desires of the community, 
afford marked evidence of the growtli of youi' municipalities and the pro- 
gress of our people. Yours truly, 

M. W. FULLER. 



SECRETARY BAYARD. 

Department ok State. 
WASHix(iTON, September 20. 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor of the City of Grand Rajjids, Michigan. 

Sir : I regret exceedingly that by reason of jjublic, duties at this 

47 



capital, I am uot able to accept the invitation with which yon have 
lionored me, to be present at the dedicatory ceremonials of the City Hall 
of your thriving city. 

Yours very respectfully. 

T. F. BAYARD. 



SECRETARY VILAS. 

Dei'aktmext of the Intektok. 

Wa.shinoton, September 20, 18«8. 
The IIoxoiJAiJLE.l. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids. Michigan. 

Dear Sir : I find niy.self unable, on account of oflicial duties, to 
accei)t yoin- invitation to attend the exercises in dedication of the new City 
Hall of Grand Rapids, to take i)lace on the 26th instant, and must with 
regret decline the privilege of participating in a ceremony, which to your 
citizens must be peculiarly interesting and pleasant, and could not but be 
pleasing to me to enjoy. 

^'ery respectfully, 

WM. F. VILAS. 



POSTMASTER GENERAL DICKINSON. 

Office of the Postmastek Genekai,, 

Washington, D. C, September 20, 1888. 
Hon. 1. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Mil Dear Sir : I have received your kind invitation to be present at 
the ceremony of dedicating the new City Hall of your city, and beg to 
thank you and through you the committee for the consideration. 

The prolonged session of Congress lias cut me off from the usual vaca- 
tion, and my public duties will prevent my acceptance. I regret this very 
much, as I should be glad to be with you. 
Very truly yours, 

DON M. DICKINSON. 



GOVERNOR LUCE. 

Executive Office, Michiuan, 

LAN.SING, September 24, 1888. 
Hon. 1. M. Wkston, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

My Dear Sir : The Governor and myself have been honored with 
an invitation to attend the fonnal opening and dedication of your City 
Hall on Wednesday, September 2t;. inst. 

By direction of the Governor, and personally, allow me to express our 

48 



sincere appreciation of the same, and to further say tliat other duties -will 
prevent an acceptance, nuicli to our regret. Again thanking you for the 
kind recognition, I am 

Very respecfully yours, 

SHILOH CAMPBELL, Private Secretary. 



PRESIDENT ANGELL. 

University of Michigan, President's Office, 

Ann Arbor, September 21, 1888. 
To Mayor Westox. Alderman Sproul, Ex-Mayor Houseman, 
and Ex-Mayor Angell. 
Oentlemen : I beg to thank you for the invitation to be present at 
the opening and dedication of your City Hall. I regret that my official 
duties will detain me here. 

In common with all the citizens of the state I rejoice in the abundant 
prosperity of your thriving city, and wish for it a yet more abundant pros- 
perity in the future. 

Yours very truly, 

JAMES B. ANGELL. 

CHIEF JUSTICE SHERWOOD OF THE SUPREME COURT. 

Kalamazoo, September 20, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Grand Rapids. 

My Dear Sir : Your kind invitation to be present at the dedication 
of j'our new City Hall, on the 26th inst., was duly i-eceived, and I regret 
to say my engagements here will prevent my accepting the comjiliment. 

The character and magnificence of the public buildings now being 
erected throughout our state make their completion worthy of some suit- 
able commemoration. I understand you have one of the best (and I know 
no other would satisfy your enterprising people) and I have no doubt the 
occasion of its dedication will be one of both interest and pleasure to all 
who participate, and I would greatly like to be with you to share in the 
pleasures and festivities of the evening. I thank you and your committee 
for extending to me the invitation. 

Very truly yours, 

T. R. SHERWOOD. 



JUSTICE CAMPBELL OF THE SUPREME COURT. 

Detroit, September 20, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor of Grand Rapids. 

Please convey to the committee my acknowledgements for their kind- 

49 



ness in giving me an invitation to the dedication of your new Citj- Hail. 
I ain sorry that other engagements do not permit me to be present. Such 
an occasion is one of pride and congratulation. Your beautiful city is 
entitled to elegant (juarters. It would be invidious to hope it will be long 
before you outgrow them. You are rather to be felicitated on making 
liberal provision for your surely safe future. Hoping the occasion will be 
of good omen and pleasant, 1 am 

Very respectfully yours, 

JAMES V. CAMPBELL. 



JUSTICE MORSE OF THE SUPREME COURT. 

loxiA, Mich., September 17, 1888. 
Hox. 1. M. Wkston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Dear Sir : I regret exceedingly that absence from the state will 
prevent my accepting your kind invitation to be present at the dedication 
of your new City Hall. 

I first saw the city of Grand Rapids in 1845, as a boy, seven yeai"s 
old, entering the then small village upon a load of grain in my father's 
wagon. I have watched the growth of the town and its most wonderful 
development ever since with pride and pleasure. I am glad that the 
second city of the state is about to take possession by its otticials of the 
magnificent and commodious building erected for the convenience of the 
official business of its people. As a citizen of the state, and especially of 
Ionia county, your near neighbor, I take peculiar pride in the advance- 
ment of your city and in the beauty of its public and other buildings. 
May the new City Hall stand for all time to come, and the property of 
Grand Rapids keep pace in the future with its progress in the past, is the 
wish and hope of Yours truly, 

ALLEX B. MORSE. 



U. S. SENATOR PALMER. 

Sknatk Chambek, 
Washington. September 24, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rai>ids, Mich. 

Dear Sir: I have to regret that public duties must jirevent my 
acceptance of your courteous invitation to attend the dedication of your 
new City Hall on the 2fith instant. Thanking you for the courtesy ex- 
tended, I am. Very truly yours. 

'J\ W. PALMER. 

50 



CONGRESSMAN FORD. 

Grand Rapids, Mich., September 20, 18SS. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 

Dear Sir : It Is with much regret that I am forced, on accoimt of 
absence from tiie city, to decline your kind invitation to be present at tlie 
ceremony attending the dedication of the new City Hall. 

Truly yours, 

M. H. FORD. 



CONGRESSMAN FISHER. 

West Bay City, Mich., September 21, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Chairman, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

My Dear Sir : I received your kind invitation to be present on the 
26th inst. at the dedication of your new City Hall. It would afford me 
great pleasure to be with you and your people on this very pleasant occa- 
sion. Your citizens are to be congratulated for their energy, thrift and 
enterprise. It speaks volumes for your industrial city and its inhabi- 
tants. 

I regret that mv business and political duties are such as will deprive 
me of being with you in person, but I will be in spirit. May your city 
continue to prosper and grow and become, as I believe she will, second to 
none in om- fair state. Please extend to and through your committee to 
the good people of your city my sincere regrets for not being able to be 
with you, but wishing you abundant prosperity in the future, I remain, 
Very respectfully yours, 

S. O. FISHER. 



CONGRESSMAN WHITING. 

House of Representatives, U. S. 

Washington, D, C, September 22, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston. 

My Dear Sir : Your kind invitation asking my presence at the dedi- 
cation of your new City Hall is received. 

I very much regret my inability to be present with you, for I feel cer- 
tain that I shall miss a most enjoyable occasion. 

The rapid growth of your most prosperous city is no doubt greatly 
due to the unusual enterprise of her business men. Your new hall is a 
guarantee of still greater advancement. All Michigan profits by the 
enterprise of Grand Rapids. 

Very truly yours, 

JUSTIN R. WHITING. 

.51 



CONGRESSMAN BREWER. 

House of Representatives, U. S. 

Wasiiixgton, D. C, September 24, 1888. 
Hon. 1. M. Weston, Chairman of Committee, etc. 

My Dear Sir : I take pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of your 
kind invitation to be present at the formal dedication of your City Hall 
on the 26th inst. I regret very much that former engagements prevent 
my being with you on the occasion mentioned. I rejoice with you at the 
splendid growth and the unsurpassed prosperity of your city. She is well 
worthy of the beautiful ornament which you are about to formally dedi- 
cate. I have the honor of remaining. 

Very truly yours. 

M. L. BREWER. 



CONGRESSMAN ALLEN. 

House of Representatives, U. S. 

Washington, D. C, September 22, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Dear Sir : I acknowledge with thanks the invitation to be present 
at the dedication of the new City Hall, and regret that my engagements 
will not allow me to be present. 

All "Michiganders," and I am one, rejoice in the prosperity of your 
grand city, one of the crown jewels of our beloved state. 
With highest respect, 1 remain yours, 

EDWARD P. ALLEN. 



STATE TREASURER MALTZ. 

Alpena, Michigan, September 22, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. We.ston, Chairman, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Dear Sir : Your invitation to be present on the 26th inst. received. 
1 regret that I cannot be with you at the formal opening and dedication of 
one of the finest public buildings in the state. 

The city of Grand Rapids, with its public spirited citizens, its enter- 
prise, and its increasing manufacturing industries, is the pride of Michigan. 

Yours etc., 

GEORGE L. MALTZ. 



ATTORNEY (iENERAL TAGGAKT. 

Grand R.\pids, September 24, 1888. 
Hon. L M. Weston, Mayor. (Jrand Rapids. Mich. 

My Dear Sir : The kind invitation to be present at the dedication 



of our beautiful City Hall was duly received. I very much regret that 
owing to an engagement upon one of the boards at Lansing, upon the day 
named, I shall be compelled to be absent from the city. The City Hall is 
one of which our citizens, and particularly the city officials, who planned 
and carried into execution the construction of such a magnificent stnic- 
ture, may well be proud. Wishing yourself and all participating in the 
dedication the greatest success, I remain. 

Very truly yours, 

MOSES TAGGART. 



COL. FARNS WORTH OF STATE MILITARY BOARD. 
Detroit, Mich., September 24, 1S88. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Chairman Invitation Committee, Grand Rapids, 
Michigan. 
My Dear Sir : It is with extreme regret that I am obliged, owing to 
business engagements, to forego the pleasure of being present at Grand 
Rapids on Wednesday, September 26, 1888, on the occasion of the dedica- 
tion of your beautiful new city building, another evidence of the enter- 
prise and progression of the second city of Michigan. 

Thanking you and the gentlemen of your committee for your courteous 
invitation, I remain. Very truly yours, 

FRED E. FARNSWORTH. 



JUDGE SEVERENS OF THE U. S. DISTRICT COURT. 

United States Court. Judge's Rooms. 

Grand Rapids, Mich., September 24, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, and others of the Invitation Committee. 

Dear Sirs: It would give me much pleasure, if other engagements 
did not prevent, to accept your invitation to be present at the opening of 
the Grand Rapids City Hall, an occasion of so much interest to the people 
of the city. I am, of course, familiar with the building and its surround- 
ings, and you may be assured that I share in the just pride of your citizens 
in its magnificent proportions and its solid and enduring structure. It is 
worthy of the city and betokens its great and growing prosperity. 

Accept my thanks for the invitation, and my hope that everything 
will concur in making the ceremonies pleasant and altogether satisfactory 
to your people. Very respectfully yours. 

H. F. SEVERENS. 

.53 



U. S. SENATOR GORMAN. 

United States Senate, 
Washington, D. C, September 20. 1888. 
Hox. I. M. Weston, Mayor's Office, Grand Rapiils, Mich. 

My Dear Sir: I have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of 
your kind invitation to be present at the dedication of your City Hall on 
the 2r)th inst. 

I regret very much that my engagements are such as to make it im- 
possible for me to accept. It would have given me much pleasure to have 
been able to be present on that occasion, and to uiingle with your people, 
who are pushing your city to the front in all that tends to the material 
and intellectual advancement of a people, and it would also have been an 
additional pleasure to be with you because of my high regard for you 
personally. I am very truly yours, 

A. P. GORMAN. 



POSTMASTER PAUL OF MILWAUKEE. 

United States Postoffice, 
Milwaukee, Wis., September 22, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Maj'or of Grantl Rapids. 

My Dear Sir: I gratefully appreciate your kind invitation to be 
present at the formal dedication of your new and beautiful City Hall, and 
regret that my duties here will prevent my attendance. I remember well 
when your city scarcely possessed an existence, and its continuously rapid 
growth and increasing enterprise should be a just source of pride and 
congratulation to yourselves and to all the sister cities of the West. 

Sincerely yours, 

GEORGE H. PAUL. 



MAYOR HEWITT OF NEW YORK. 

Mayor's Office, New York, September 25, 1888. 
1. M. Weston, Esq., Mayor. Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Sir : I feel very much honored by your invitation to attend the 
dedication of your City Hall on Wednesday of this week. Of course it 
will not be possible for me to be present on this interesting occasion, but 
I tender to you my sincere congratulations on the completion of a build- 
ing so i)eautiful as this ajtpears to be, if I ran judge by the vignette at the 
head of the invitation, which you are kind enough to send me. I beg you 
to make my thankful acknowledgments to the committee, and to believe 
me, Sincerely yours, 

ABRAM S. HEWITT, Mayor. 
54 



xMAYOR O'BRIEN OF BOSTON. 

City of Boston, Executive Depaktment, 

September 19, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Oraiid Rapids, Mich, 

Dear Sir : I thank you for your kind invitation to attend the cere- 
monies incident to the dedication of your new City Hall, and I regret 
exceedingly that my official duties prevent my absenting myself from this 
city on that interesting occasion. 

Yours truly* 

HUGH O'BRIEN, Mayor. 



MAYOR ROCHE OF CHICAGO. 

City of Chicago, Office of the May ok, 

September 35, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston. 

Dear Sir : I am instructed by Mayor Roche to acknowledge the 
receipt of the invitation to attend the dedication of the City Hall at Grand 
Rapids, the 36th inst., and directed to say that he regrets that his official 
duties preclude acceptance. 

Very truly yours, 

S. P. ENGLISH, Secretary. 



MAYOR FRANCIS OF ST. LOUIS, MO. 

Mayor's Office, St. Louis, September 30, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Dear Sir : I am in receipt of your courteous invitation to attend the 
dedication services of your new City Hall on the 26th inst. I regret that 
my engagements in the interior of this state, of which I am making an 
active canvass as the Democratic nominee for governor, will prevent me 
from being present on the occasion you mention. I should be more than 
pleased to accept your invitation, as I have heard much of the beauty, thrift 
and hospitality of your progressive city. With my best wishes for your 
continued prosperity, I remain, 

Yours with respect, 

D. R. FRANCIS. 



MAYOR SMITH OF CINCINNATI. 

Mayor's Office. Cincinnati, September 30. 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids. Mich. 

Dear Sir : Am in receipt of your communication inviting me to be 



present at the dedication of your new City Hall on the 26th iust., and 
regret Ihat otlier engagements will prevent my acceptance. 

A similar occurrence took place in this city on the fourth of July last, 
and 1 have no doubt that both cities are proud of their new buildings. 
Very respectfully, 

AMOR SMITH, Jk., Mayor. 



MAYOR PRIDGEON OF DETROIT. 

Mayok's Office, Detroit, Mich., September 30, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Westox, Mayor of Grand Rapids. 

Dear Sir : Your favor inviting me to participate in the ceremony of 
dedicating your new City Hall is at hand. 1 regret very much that I can- 
not be present, but beg you to be assured that the occasion is one of con- 
siderable interest to me. and I might add, to all the people of Detroit, who. 
have a patriotic pride in the steady advancement of Michigan's commercial 
and political importance. Such a magnificent structure as your people 
have erected is and should always remain a grand monument to the liberal 
local patriotism of Grand Rapids. 

Yours truly, 

JOHN PRIDGEON, Jk. 

MAYOR BAUM OF EAST SAGINAW. 

Mayok's Office, East Saoixaw, Mich., September 20, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Wl;.ston, Chairman of Invitation Committee. 

Dear Sir: Your kind invitation to attend the formal opening and 
dedication of your City Hall came duly to hand. 1 am sorry that owing 
to business arrangements made some time ago it will be impossible to 
attend. Last June I had the pleasure of spending a few pleasant days in 
your city, and I used the opi)ortunity to take an exterior view of your 
new City Hall. I was impressed by the gracefulness of its design, and 
the solidity of its appearance. It is, indeed, a grand monument to the 
energy and public spirit of your citizens. And I have no doubt but its 
beauty and utility will prove a blessing in many ways not only to the 
present, but also to the future residents of Grand Rapids. 
Very regretfully yours, 

WM. B. BAUM, Mayor. 

MAYOR BLISS OF SAGINAW. 

Mayor's Office, Saginaw. Mich.. September 20, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

My Dear Sir : I should be very much pleased to accept your kind 
invitation to be present at the dedication of your new City Hall on the 
26th instant if my business and professional duties did not prevent. In 

.56 



behalf of the city of Saginaw I send you hearty congratulations on the 
completion of your hall, and hope it may long stand as a monument to the 
citizens of the thii'd city who are so ready to tax themselves for all neces- 
sary and needed improvements and to keep their city abreast of the times. 
Regretting that I cannot be with you, I am. 

Yours very sincerely, 

L. W. BLISS, Mayor. 



MAYOR MARTIN OF WEST BAY CITY. 

West Bay City, Michigan, September 20, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Grand Rapids. 

Dear Sir : I thank you for the very cordial invitation to be present 
in your city and take part in the opening and dedication of the City Hall, 
Wednesday, September 26, 1888, and take this opportunity to express my 
regrets that business matters of both a public and private nature make it 
necessary for me to decline the honor and pleasure of an acceptance. 

Permit me also in this letter of thanks and regrets to congratulate you 
on the completion of so beautiful an edifice, realizing as I do that the 
enterprise and public spirit of a city may be easily read upon the walls of 
its public buildings. Very truly yours, 

W. J. MARTIN, Mayor. 



MAYOR LOENNECKER OF JACKSON. 
Mayor's Office, Jackson, Michigan, September 20, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids. Mich. 

Dear Sir : Your kind nivitation to participate in the dedication of 
the new City Hall of your beautiful city has come to hand. I would have 
been much pleased to attend the ceremonies, but am sorry that through 
duties connected with our city affairs I am unable to attend. 

Please accept my best wishes and greeting in behalf of Jackson to 
their prosperous sister city on this joyful occasion. 
Respectfully yours, 

MARTIN G. LOENNECKER, Mayor. 



MAYOR TORRENT OF MUSKEGON. 

Mayor's Office, Muskegon, Michigan, September 20, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Sir : I sincerely regret my inability to be present at the dedication 
of your City Hall, which is to take place on the 26th inst. Trusting that 
my absence will be no hiudrauce to the pleasurable event. I am, 
Veiy respectfully yours, 

JOHN TORRENT, Mayor. 

.57 



MAYOR LITTLE OF KALAMAZOO. 

Kalamazoo. Michigan, September 24, 1888. 
Hon. L M. Weston, Mayor, and his associates of Invitation Committee, 
Grand Rajjids, Micii. 
Oentlemen : I would most respectfully acknowledge the receipt of 
your cordial invitation to be present at the formal openinK and dedication 
of your new City Hall, Grand Rapids. Weihiesday. September '26. 1888. 

1 nuist regret that at the present writing appearances do not favor my 
being present upon that notable and interesting occasion. I desire how- 
ever to send my most sincere greetings and hearty congratulations in view 
of so important and memorable an event in the history of your magnifi- 
cent city. Very respectfully, 

FRANK LITTLE. 



MAYOR CROTTY OF LANSING. 

Mayor's Office, Lansixo, Michigan, September 24, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Chairman. 

Dear Sir : I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your kinil invitation 
to the dedicatory exercises of your new City Hall. Owing to an engage- 
ment previously made for that date. I shall not be able to avail myself of 
the privilege extended. Thanking you for the honor conferred. I am, 

Very truly yours, 

JOHN F. CROTTY. 



MAYOR BLACKER OF MANISTEE. 

Mayor's Office, Manistee. Mich.. Sept. 20, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

My Dear Sir : I am sorry that pressing business East prevents my 
acceptance of your kind invitation to be present at the dedication of your 
new City Hall. Yours truly. 

R. R. BLACKER. 



MAYOR CLARK OF MARQUETTE. 

Mayor's Office, Mak(2Uette. Michigan. September 24. 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Dear Sir : I regret very nnich that previous engagements prevent 
me from enjoying the pleasure of being with you at the dedication of your 
new City Hall, and that 1 cannot, with you and your invited guests, cele- 
brate the rapid growth of your enleri)rising city, and especially the dedi- 
cation of your magnificent City Hall, and become acquainted with more 

.58 



of your citizens. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, until within a few 
years jjast, has been so isohited from the Lower Peninsula, that we have 
seemed to iiave hut little in common with her interests. But tills has 
entirely changed. We are now united hy iron bauds, which are stimulat- 
ing traffic and commerce by the way of the Straits of Mackinac, and those 
Straits have been practically bridged by the combination of great mechan- 
ical and nautical skill in the building of the steamer St, Ignace, and 
though we are still two peninsulas in fact, we are fast becoming one in 
community of interests. I wish you great success in the administration 
of your city government, and your city a continuation of its wonderful 
development. Yours truly, 

F. O. CLARK, 



MAYOR WAGAR OF I0NL4. 

loxiA, Michigan, September 20, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Wkstox, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Dear Sir: Important business engagements will prevent my being 
present at the dedication of your jiew City Hall. Accept my thanks for 
the invitation and my regrets that I cannot be present at so im])ortant an 
event. Hoping yon may have fine weather and an enjoyable time, I 
remain, Yours truly, 

H. R. WAGAR. 



MAYOR FRINK OF MARSHALL. 
Mayok's Office, Marshai.i.. Mich., September 24, 1888. 
Hon. L M. Westox, Mayor. 

My Dear Sir : I return my cordial thanks for your kind invitation 
to attend the opening and dedication of the City Hall at Grand Rapids, 
Michigan, September 26, and regret that 1 cannot be present on that occa- 
tion. Youi's respectfully, 

NORRIS J. FRINK, Mayor. 



MAYOR KIRBY OF GRAND HAVEN. 

Grand Haven, Michigan, September 20, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Dear Sir : Your letter of invitation to attend the dedication of the 
new City Hall is received— thanks. I regret very much that I cannot 
attend, as business of importance calls me from home for several weeks. 
Yours truly, 

T. W. KIRBY, Mayor. 

.59 



MAYOR GALBRAITH OF PONTIAO. 

Hon. 1. M. Weston. 

The Mayor of Pontiac sends greetings and compliments to the Mayor 
of the city of Grand Rapids, and regrets that it will not be possible to be 
present at the dedication of your City Hall on the 26th inst. 

Yours respectfully, 

F. B. GALBRAITH. 



COMMISSIONER CROKER OF NEW YORK. 

Office Board of Fire Commissioners, 

New York, September 20, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Wkston, Mayor. 

Dear Sir : Your very kind invitation to be present at the dedication 
of your new City Hall to hand. I would be pleased to be present, but a 
previous engagement prevents my attendance. 
I am, very respectfully, 

RICHARD CROKER. 



EX-GOVERNOR ALGER OF DETROIT. 

Detroit, Michigan. September 20, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

My Dear Sir : I have received your kind invitation to be present at 
the dedication of your new City Hall on the 26th inst., and regret exceed- 
ingly that other engagements will prevent me from being with you. As 
Grand Rapids was my old home, I am always very much interested in 
everything that pertains to its prosperity. 

Sincerely yours, 

R. A. ALGER. 



EX-CONGRESSMAN FIELD OF DETROIT. 

Detroit, Michigan, September 21. 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Sir : I am in receipt of your kind invitation to attend the formal 
opening of your new City Hall on Wednesday. September 20, and regret 
exceedingly that previous engagements will prevent my acceptance. 
Thanking you for the remembrance, I remain, 
Very truly yours, 

MOSES W. FIELD. 

60 



EX-CON(}RESSMAN WEBBER. 

Ionia, Michigan, September 19, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Sir : Your very kind invitation to attend the formal opening and 
dedication of your City Hall duly received, for which please accept my 
thanks. I leave this evening for New York. Should I return in time to 
meet with you on the very pleasant occasion, it would give me great 
pleasure. I congratulate you and your people on the success of your 
beautiful building, and remain, 

Respectfully, 

GEORGE W. WEBBER. 



EX-MAYOR CHAMBERLAIN OF DETROIT. 

Detroit, Michigan, September 22, 1888. 
I. M. Weston, Chairman Committee on Invitation, Grand Rapids, Mich. 
Dear Sir : I am in receipt of the invitation to visit your city on 
the 26th of this month, and take part in the ceremonies of dedicating 
your new City Hall. I regret very much that a prior engagement will 
prevent my being present. I have been familiar with your city and many 
of your prominent business men for the past twenty-five years, and have 
watched with interest the growth and prosperity of Grand Rapids, which 
have been most phenominal, and are a proud monument to the intelli- 
gence and energy of the citizens of your city and our commonwealth. I 
congratulate your citizens upon the fine and commodious structure which 
they have erected for the transaction of their municipal business. 
Thanking you for your very kind invitation, and again expressing my 
regrets at not being able to be with you, I remain, 

Yours very respectfully, 

M. H. CHAMBERLAIN. 



EX-MAYOR WEADOCK OF BAY CITY. 

Bay Citt, Michigan, September 21, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Alderman Robert Sproul, Ex-Mayors 
Houseman and Angell, Committee, etc. 

Oentlemen : Your courteous invitation to attend the ceremonies on 
the opening of your elegant new City Hall is received. Thanking you 
for the favor, I regret to say that an engagement at Detroit will deprive 
me of the pleasure of being with you that day. Wishing your city con- 
tinuing and increasing prosperity, I am. 

Yours Respectfully, 

T. A. E. WEADOCK. 

fil 



EX-MAY()K WAGNER OF MARSHALL. 

Mahshall, Michigan, October 3, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Wkston and other Committeemen, fJrancl Rapids, Mich. 

Oentlemen: Upon my return home after an absence of ten days, 
I find your invitation requesting my presence at the formal opening 
of the City Hall of your city, on the 2(;th ultimo. 

I sincerely regret that 1 did not receive your Invitation in time. Had 
I done so it would have given me great pleasure to have accepted the 
same. Yours very tnUy, 

M. V. WAGNER. 



EX-MAYOR BENNETT OF JACKSON. 

Jackson, Michigan, September 24, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston ami others. City of Grand Rapids. 

Oentlemen : I have received your cordial invitation to be present at 
the formal opening of the City Hall, and present my compliments and 
regrets that pressing business duties will detain me at home. 

In the marvelous growth of our land, which marks so clearly the 
progress and advancing civilization of a free people, no single example 
stands out more defined than is shown in the history of the city of Grand 
Rapids, and as a citizen of Michigan and an arlmirer of business progress 
and energetic concentration of purpose, 1 am proud of her success, and 
will hail with satisfaction the early day when her Mayor will rule over 
the destinies of an hundred thousand people, I am. 

Yours truly, 

CLARENCE H. BENNETT. 



EX-CITY ATTORNEY McGEE OF MARSHALL. 

Marshall, Michigan, September 19, 1888. 
Mayor 1. M. Weston, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Dear Sir : Your invitation to attend the dedicatory ceremonies of 
your new City Hall, received. I regret very much to say, that owing to 
circumstances over which I have no control, it will be impossible for me 
to be present. Truly yours, 

WM. J. McGEE. 



CHAIRMAN BRICE OF NEW YORK. 

New Yohk, N. Y., September 20, 1888. 
Hon. 1. M. Weston Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Sir : Your kind invitation to be present at the dedication of the new 



City Hall in Grand Rapids on the 26th inst., has reached me at a time 
when overwhelmed with business, public and private. 

I havv* been contemplating a visit to Michigan since July 1st, but now 
that the political campaign has begun, will have to postpone it, and send 
you my regrets at not being able to be present at the dedication. 

Very truly yours, 

CALVIN S. BKICE. 



W. E. QUIMBY OF DETROIT FREE PRESS. 

Detroit, Michigan, September 2.5, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston Maj'or, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Sir : Other engagements prevent my accepting your kind invitation 
to be present at the dedication of your City Hall. I congratulate you 
and the citizens of your beautiful city on its completion, and wish I could 
be there to personally extend my felicitation to the energetic people of 
Grand Rapids. Very truly, 

W. E. QUIMBY. 



GEN. HERMANN LEIB, OF CHICAGO. 

Chicago, September 23, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich. 

Sir : The invitation of yt)urself and committee to attend the open- 
ing of the City Hall at Grand Rapids has been received. Owing to an 
engagement on the 2<)th of September, I shall not be able to attend. 
Please accept my thanks for the courtesy. 

Yours Respectfully, 

HERMANN LIEB. 



THOS. C. CLARK, OF MUSKEGON. 

Muskegon, Michigan, September 24, 1888. 
Hon. I. M. Weston, Mayor, Grand Rapids, Mich, 

Dear Sir : I am in receipt of your invitation to attend the exercises 
of dedication of your new City Hall, on the 26th inst. I doubt very much 
being able to be present, but, whether I am or not. I want to thank you 
very heartily for your thoughtful invitation. 

Truly yours, 

THOS. C. CLARK. 



6.3 



New City Hall Floor Diagrams. 




BASEMENT. 




FIRST FLOOR. 



64 



New City Hall Floor Diagrams. 




SECOND FLOOR. 




THIRD FLOOR. 



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